Besides drinking more water, how can we alleviate winter dryness through daily diet?
Winter Diet: "More Sour, Less Salt" for Moisturizing and Nourishing the Skin
First, reduce salt intake. The dry climate is particularly harsh on the respiratory system, easily triggering upper respiratory tract infections. If meals are too salty, it can reduce saliva secretion, making it easier for various bacteria to survive in the upper respiratory tract. A high-salt diet may also weaken the mucous membranes' ability to resist disease, allowing bacteria and viruses to take advantage and cause inflammation. Therefore, it's especially important to limit salt in the winter.
Second, eat more sour fruits. Because sweet and sour fruits are often rich in vitamins C and E, they can moisturize the skin. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, making the skin hydrated and supple. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that boosts metabolism, improves skin blood circulation, and enhances cell vitality. Examples include kiwis, hawthorns, apples, pears, and citrus fruits.
In addition, sour fruits also contain tannins, organic acids, and dietary fiber, which can stimulate digestive juice secretion and accelerate gastrointestinal motility. In winter, eating one fruit a day is an ideal way to supplement water.
Finally, when symptoms of dry, itchy skin appear in winter, many people who don't understand the cause might increase the frequency of their baths, thinking this will alleviate the itching. Little do they know that this approach not only fails to relieve the itching but can actually make it worse.
“The frequency of bathing, scrubbing, and the water temperature should be adjusted according to the climate and individual skin conditions. It's best for the elderly to bathe once a week, avoid excessive scrubbing, and keep the water temperature moderate—not too hot.”