Autumn Hydration Dilemma: Still Thirsty Despite Drinking Water in Cooler Weather?

As the weather cools down, you may notice that your skin feels dry, your mouth feels parched, and your thirst is hard to quench. You may wonder why this happens and what you can do to prevent it. 

Table of Contents

What is autumn dryness?

Autumn dryness is a term used to describe the phenomenon of low humidity and dry air that occurs in the fall season. According to traditional Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the metal element, which governs the lungs and the skin. When the metal element is out of balance, it can cause dryness in these organs, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, dry mouth, dry skin, and constipation.

Autumn dryness can also be explained by modern science. As the temperature drops, the air can hold less moisture, making it drier. This affects the moisture level of your skin and mucous membranes, which are responsible for keeping your body hydrated and protecting it from germs. When these tissues are dry, they can become irritated and inflamed, making you more susceptible to infections and allergies.

How does autumn dryness affect your health?

Autumn dryness can have various effects on your health, depending on your individual constitution and lifestyle. Some of the common effects are:

  • Dry skin: Dry skin can cause itching, flaking, cracking, and redness. It can also make your skin more prone to wrinkles, aging, and infections.
  • Dry mouth: Dry mouth can cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty swallowing. It can also affect your sense of taste and appetite.
  • Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause burning, itching, redness, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. It can also increase the risk of eye infections and damage.
  • Dry nose: Dry nose can cause nosebleeds, nasal congestion, sinusitis, and headaches. It can also impair your sense of smell and make you more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
  • Dry throat: Dry throat can cause sore throat, hoarseness, coughing, and difficulty speaking. It can also irritate your vocal cords and make you more prone to throat infections.
  • Dry lungs: Dry lungs can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It can also reduce your oxygen intake and affect your overall health.
  • Dry intestines: Dry intestines can cause constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and hemorrhoids. It can also affect your digestion and absorption of nutrients.

How to combat autumn dryness with chrysanthemum tea

One of the best ways to combat autumn dryness is to drink chrysanthemum tea. Chrysanthemum tea is an herbal infusion made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. It has a golden color and a mild floral flavor. Chrysanthemum tea has been used for centuries in China as a natural remedy for various ailments.

Chrysanthemum tea has many health benefits that can help you cope with autumn dryness. Some of these benefits are:

  • Promotes deep relaxation: Chrysanthemum tea helps to calm you down by lowering your blood pressure and cooling your body. The tea’s high potassium concentration widens your blood vessels and increases your blood flow. This can help you relax your muscles and nerves and ease stress and anxiety.
  • Boosts immunity: Chrysanthemum tea contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can strengthen your immune system and fight off infections. The tea also has antibacterial and antiviral effects, which can help prevent the growth and spread of bacteria and other microorganisms.
  • Promotes healthy metabolism: Chrysanthemum tea can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. The tea can stimulate your metabolism and increase your energy expenditure. It can also help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes.
  • Relieves early-stage cold symptoms: Chrysanthemum tea can help you recover from a cold or flu faster. The tea can soothe your sore throat, clear your nasal congestion, and reduce your fever. It can also boost your immunity and prevent complications.
  • Promotes healthy heart function: Chrysanthemum tea can help you lower your cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The tea can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines and increase the excretion of bile acids. It can also prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and protect your blood vessels from damage.
  • Skincare: Chrysanthemum tea can help you improve your skin condition and appearance. The tea can hydrate your skin and prevent dryness, itching, cracking, and redness. It can also reduce inflammation and irritation and heal wounds and infections. Moreover, chrysanthemum tea can prevent skin aging and wrinkles by enhancing collagen production and protecting your skin from free radical damage.
  • Helps maintain bone health: Chrysanthemum tea can help you prevent bone loss and treat osteoporosis. The tea contains chemical compounds that can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone tissue. It can also stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells that build up bone tissue.
  • Improves vision: Chrysanthemum tea can help you improve your eyesight and prevent eye diseases. The tea contains beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision. It can also protect your eyes from UV rays, blue light, and oxidative stress.

To make chrysanthemum tea, you will need dried chrysanthemum flowers, hot water, a teapot, and a cup. You can also add honey, sugar, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Rinse the dried chrysanthemum flowers with cold water to remove any dust or dirt.
  2. Add about 3 to 6 grams of flowers (or 2 to 4 teaspoons) to a teapot.
  3. Pour about 250 ml (or 1 cup) of hot water over the flowers.
  4. Cover the teapot and let it steep for about 5 minutes.
  5. Strain the tea into a cup and enjoy.

You can drink chrysanthemum tea hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can also re-steep the flowers for another cup of tea.

How to incorporate mildly acidic fruits into your diet

Mildly acidic fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, and oranges, are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and prevent infections. They also have a refreshing and hydrating effect, which can relieve the dryness and thirst caused by the autumn weather. However, eating too many acidic fruits can also damage your teeth enamel and cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, it is important to balance your intake of acidic fruits with other foods that can neutralize the acidity, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and nuts.

Here are some tips on how to incorporate mildly acidic fruits into your diet:

  • Eat them as snacks between meals, but rinse your mouth with water afterwards to protect your teeth.
  • Add them to your salads, smoothies, or desserts for a burst of flavor and nutrition.
  • Make your own fruit juice or vinegar with fresh fruits and water, and drink it diluted with warm water or honey. This can help soothe your throat and improve your digestion.
  • Choose organic or locally grown fruits whenever possible, as they are more likely to be fresh and pesticide-free.

How to dress appropriately for the cooler weather

As the temperature drops, you may feel tempted to bundle up in thick layers of clothing to keep warm. However, this can also make you sweat more and lose moisture from your skin. Moreover, wearing too many clothes can hinder your blood circulation and make you more prone to catching a cold. Therefore, it is advisable to dress appropriately for the cooler weather, by following these guidelines:

  • Wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton, wool, or silk, that can regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating.
  • Layer your clothing according to the weather and your activity level. For example, you can wear a light sweater under a jacket or coat, and take off the outer layer when you enter a heated room.
  • Protect your extremities, such as your head, hands, feet, and ears, with hats, gloves, socks, and scarves. These parts of your body tend to lose heat faster than the rest of your body.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes or shoes that can restrict your blood flow and cause numbness or pain.

Conclusion

Autumn is a beautiful season that brings many joys and challenges. By understanding the effects of autumn dryness on your health and taking measures to combat it, you can enjoy this season without compromising your well-being. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat mildly acidic fruits, and dress appropriately for the cooler weather. You can also try some natural remedies, such as chrysanthemum tea, to relieve the symptoms of autumn dryness. With these tips in mind, you can embrace the autumn with confidence and happiness.

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