- Cold temperatures may increase the risk of the common cold: Cold temperatures weaken the body defenses by restricting the blood flow through the mucous membranes. Just having cold feet can be enough to signal the body "exposure", making it constrict the blood vessels.
- Overly warm rooms may also promote colds: The warm air dries out the mucous membranes, the most important barriers against microorganisms, thus making them less impervious to germs. Now the viruses can penetrate there more easily and settle down.
- Stress also weakens the body's defenses enormously: Lowering the stress level, for instance, by planning regular relaxation exercises during the day, helps to strengthen the immune system and the body's defenses!
