MILLIONS of Brits are still clinging to old wives’ tales when it comes to catching a cold – with many convinced draughty rooms and going outside with wet hair are to blame.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults found more than a quarter (27 per cent) believe you can catch a cold simply by being outside when the temperature drops.
While 28 per cent think stepping out with damp hair is directly linked to falling ill, and 22 per cent reckon sitting in a draughty room will make you unwell.
Yet while 89 per cent think it’s important to support their immune system to keep colds at bay – as they feel, on average, under the weather three times each winter – 22 per cent admitted they had no idea improving gut health can play a big part in doing so.
The research was commissioned by Yakult, which has teamed up with registered dietitian Lucy Kerrison, to help bust some of the most common winter wellness myths.
She said: “There are so many misconceptions about how our immune system works, often passed down through generations. Cold weather or damp hair don’t cause colds – viruses do.
“However, during winter, we tend to spend more time indoors with others, which makes it easier for these viruses to spread.
“What can make a difference is keeping your immune system well supported – and that’s where gut health comes in.”
She said to keep the gut and immune system working together effectively, diversity in the diet is key.
Microbes in the gut feed on the fibre found in plant foods, so the more variety you eat, the broader the range of beneficial bacteria.
This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and, to a lesser extent, herbs and spices.
As well as fermented foods such as live yoghurt, kimchi, and fermented milk drinks also play a role. Look for products which note their strain names and bacterial count as these products are more likely to improve the balance of gut bacteria and therefore your immune system.
It also emerged that 42 per cent of Brits find it harder to maintain a healthy gut during the winter months.
With 41 per cent admitting they crave richer, heavier comfort foods when the weather turns cold, almost four in 10 (39 per cent) confessed to snacking more simply because they spend longer indoors.
While 22 per cent said their busy social calendar makes it difficult to stay balanced, especially when festive events lead to overindulgence.
In an effort to stay on top of their wellbeing, more than a quarter (27 per cent) have turned to social media for inspiration, with 39 per cent of those looking up gut health hacks and trends.
Science manager for Yakult, Dr Holly Neill, added: “With so much health content online, it’s easy to see why people get confused.
“Social media can make wellness trends sound simple or miraculous, but not everything you see is backed by science.
“In fact, blanket case recommendations, such as everyone should avoid gluten, or promises of quick fixes are a red flag.
“Nutrition is nuanced, and there’s no such thing as a silver bullet. Always look for advice from sources with recognised expertise and a strong scientific background.
“Supporting gut health doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple, everyday choices can have a real, positive impact over time.”
