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The "autumn freeze" may not be for everyone as modern people's cold resistance declines
As the saying goes, "Wear warmly in spring and expose yourself to the cold in autumn for good health." However, this year, after the start of autumn, this saying has been called into question. Mr. Zhang intended to "embrace the cold," but ended up with a cold and diarrhea due to the chilly mornings and evenings. "If I hadn't indulged in the cold, I wouldn't have caught a cold. I had hoped that embracing the cold in spring and autumn would boost my immunity, but instead, it left me with a runny nose." Should one really embrace the cold in autumn? Is the ancient saying unscientific, or are modern people simply less resistant to the cold?
In response to the public's doubts, experts explain that "wearing warmly in spring and embracing the cold in autumn" is a traditional Chinese health proverb. From a climatological perspective, it has a certain scientific basis. Appropriate cool stimulation helps to build cold resistance. By exercising in a gradually cooling environment for a certain period, it can promote the body's metabolism and improve its adaptability to low temperatures.
Modern people's ability to withstand the cold is far inferior to that of ancient people. This is because nowadays, people live in air-conditioned rooms all day long, exposed to air conditioning and heating, which has severely weakened their resistance to wind and cold. Furthermore, spending long periods in heated indoor spaces and air-conditioned rooms, and then suddenly going out to face the cold or heat, the body cannot adapt. This kind of lifestyle was not experienced by people in ancient times.
Additionally, this year, since the start of autumn, the temperature difference has been greater than in previous years, and the fluctuating weather further weakens the body's resistance. Therefore, modern people, accustomed to a "constant temperature," must adjust their understanding of this old saying. They should add or remove clothing promptly according to the weather changes. The proverb merely offers a general guideline. Regardless of how scientific the saying is, modern people should decide whether to add or remove clothing based on their own perception of cold and warmth. This is especially important for the elderly with underlying health conditions and children with weaker immune systems.