Stay Warm This Winter

The influence of the cold weather and rapid climatic changes can have negative effects on the body. As a sufferer of Raynaud’s, staying warm during the cold season can be chilling thought. There are many ways to stay warm and keep the blood circulation moving right along. We will identify some of the more common diet and health tips and tricks you can utilize in a emergency or non emergency situation to stay warm and protected during the Winter season.

You can lose 40 to 45 percent of body heat from an unprotected head and even more from the unprotected neck, wrist, and ankles. These areas of the body are good radiators of heat and have very little insulating fat. The brain is very susceptible to cold and can stand the least amount of cooling. Because there is much blood circulation in the head, most of which is on the surface, you can lose heat quickly if you do not cover your head. - FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL, BASIC PRINCIPLES OF COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL, PG 148

In staying warm, we are first going to touch on the power of herbs. Lots of times herbs are overlooked. Herbs have been around since ancient times and have been known to present many benefits and healing properties. There are certain herbs that can also stimulate blood circulation resulting in an increase of body temperature.

Cayenne Peppers

There's a lot to be said about Cayenne pepper on a cold day. Cayenne pepper stimulates the nerves and blood flow, promoting warmth and blood circulation. Sprinkling cayenne pepper on cold Winter days in your socks, boots, gloves or mittens to help you keep warm and toasty during Winter months for hours. Cayenne pepper has also been known to increase your  metabolic rate by 25% . Cayenne is also available to take internally by capsule.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon candies are a warm and sweet way of increasing blood circulation to keep you warm free from the cold this Winter season. Cinnamon is known for its health benefits in aiding poor peripheral blood circulation. Cinnamon has also been known to be a natural blood thinner, which prevents clotting. Try a cinnamon stick with your next warm beverage.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries warmth and to promote blood circulation in the veins and arteries. Ingesting garlic on a regular basis can prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries making platelets less likely to clump together. Before going outside into the cold consider some garlic during the cold season to maintain a warm healthy balance.

Ginger

Let's just touch on ginger. Ginger is a very versatile spice can be used for many different ailments. Evidence supports that the compounds of ginger that contribute to its beneficial circulatory effects are phenols and volatile oils that help prevent blood clotting. Try some warm ginger tea, or ginger altoids candy in an effort to keep warm this winter.

Ginko

Ginkgo is one of the oldest species of trees around today. Ginkgo has been used for medicinal purposes by the Chinese for thousands of years. Ginkgo has been proven to protect blood vessels against damage, terpenoinds are proven to dilate blood vessels opening up passageways of circulation. Try a warm cup of ginkgo tea the teaspoon of honey or try a ginkgo drink for drink additive before venturing outside.

If you don't mind unusual tastes, you can create a ginger-cayenne blend to quickly boost circulation. Grind ? teaspoon fresh ginger and 1/4 teaspoon fresh cayenne, mix them a little lemon and honey to take the edge of the taste and take by the teaspoon.

You can also increase your chances of staying warm this Winter by ensuring a healthy diet.  Don't forget to iron up. If your iron is low, the greater consumption translates into more body heat. Good sources of absorbable iron can be found in such foods as clams, tofu, Cream of Wheat cereal, poultry, fish, lean red meat, lentils and green leafy vegetables. (With vegetables and legumes, make sure you drink plenty of orange juice, because vitamin C increases the body's ability to absorb the type of iron in these foods.)

If you like fish, mackerel, herring, salmon and anchovies, rich in Omega three fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids-help reduce the painful blood vessel spasms that cause the shutdown of blood flow. Stay warm this Winter with cold water fish.

If you are in an a state of emergency, power-outage or any comprising situation and require emergency heat, remember even tiny tiniest resources can make a difference. In an effort to stay warm, there a few different ways to make a personal heater to keep warm out of everyday common dispensable resources.

DIY Emergency Heater

This emergency heater example is one basic alternative, demonstrating one of the most widely used concepts. The heat output fantastic. It is reusable and to refuel. For this emergency heater you will need 1 EMPTY pint size paint can, 1 bottle of 70% rubbing alcohol 1 roll of toilet paper, and matches.


Simply remove the the cardboard the center from the toilet paper roll. then insert the toilet paper bunch into the paint can. Pour the 70% bottle of alcohol into the paint can, saturating the toilet-paper bunch leaving some fresh out to light as it will serve as you candlewick. Then simply light with a match. Be sure to use caution and a fireproof base. Be sure to have pot holders handy in the event you need to move your emergency heater. Have a way to tame the flame. Expect a 4-6 inch flame. That might be too much heat for cooking should  you plan to do. The metal cover works well for this.

Heated Head Warmer $24.99

There are also several electronic gadget device products on the market today provide that provide a wealth of climate controlled heating option, which also can be referred to as heated clothing. Heated clothing is great for those that spend allot of time outside. If you spend allot of time outside during the cold season. If you have never tried heated clothing a heated head warmer is economical place to start and this one comes with a built in rechargeable Li-ion battery and can be purchased for under $25.00. As mentioned before 45-50% of your body heat is lost lost starting with your head right down through your feet.

Thermo Soles Heated Insoles $99.99

Other forms of battery heated clothing and products include heated shoe inserts. The heated inserts known as Thermo Soles are $99.99 and offer a lifetime warranty. The sure to keep your blood circulation through out a cold Winter day with its high performance 8 hour lithium polymer battery.

Volt Heated Slipper $124.95

Another great product to help you stay warm year round throughout the common areas of your home or even outdoors with their built in shock absorbing traction soles. Volt rechargeable heated slippers. Great for those with cold feet or suffering from poor circulation. The Volt heated slippers will keep your feet warm all year round and provide 110-135 degrees of pulsating heat for up to 6+ hours per charge.

Thermo Gloves Heated Gloves $139.95

If you are suffering from severe cold hands you may have a condition called Raynaud's Syndrome. According to MayoClinic: Raynaud's (ray-NOHZ) disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers, toes, the tip of your nose and your ears — to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas. Many people who are suffering from cold hands have commented that ThermoGloves help relive the symptoms caused by Raynaud's. Because they are slim and flexible, they can be worn while remaining quite dexterous. Something most battery operated gloves do not offer.

Thermo gloves are rechargeable and last up to 5 hours on a single charge to keep your hands warm and comfortable to continue your regular business throughout the course of the day. The heated gloved  are equipped with 3 different adjustable temperature control settings to ensure comfort.