Half of Brits still believe these myths about catching a cold in winter - Daily Star

A recent poll surveying 2,000 adults in the UK has uncovered persistent myths surrounding how colds are caught during winter. Despite advances in health knowledge, over a quarter of respondents—27%—still believe simply being outside in cold temperatures can cause a cold. Similarly, 28% think stepping out with damp hair directly leads to illness, while 22% blame sitting in a draughty room for falling sick. Nearly three in ten people, or 29%, are convinced that cold weather itself weakens the immune system. These misconceptions remain widespread despite medical experts emphasizing that viruses, not cold temperatures, are responsible for colds. The study was carried out by Yakult in collaboration with registered dietitian Lucy Kerrison, who aimed to clear up these misunderstandings. Lucy pointed out that cold weather or damp hair don’t cause colds—viruses do. She explained that many of these myths have been passed down through generations, often without scientific basis. Instead, as people spend more time indoors during colder months, viruses find it easier to spread from person to person. This makes it all the more important to support the immune system effectively. A crucial part of maintaining a strong immune system, Lucy highlighted, lies in gut health. She noted that about 70% of the body's immune cells reside in the gut, constantly interacting with trillions of microbes that form the gut microbiota. This complex ecosystem plays a vital role in ‘training’ the immune system to respond properly to harmful pathogens while tolerating harmless substances like food. To support this interaction, she recommends prioritizing dietary diversity by including a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and herbs in meals. Lucy also emphasized the benefits of fermented foods, such as live yoghurt, kimchi, and fermented milk drinks. She advised looking out for products that specify their bacterial strains and counts, as these are more likely to enhance gut bacteria balance and in turn boost immune health. However, the poll revealed that 42% of Brits find it challenging to maintain a healthy gut during winter, while 41% crave richer, heavier comfort foods as temperatures dip. Additionally, 20% said their busy social lives, especially around festive events, make it hard to stay balanced and avoid overindulgence. Many people are turning to social media for wellness advice, with over a quarter (27%) seeking inspiration online. Among those, 39% specifically look for gut health tips and trends. Yet, 63% admit that the health information they find on social platforms can be confusing or contradictory. Dr Holly Neill, Science Manager at Yakult, warned that not all wellness trends on social media are scientifically backed. She cautioned against following broad, one-size-fits-all advice like cutting out gluten or expecting quick fixes, emphasizing that nutrition is complex without any silver bullet. Dr Neill encouraged people to rely on advice from qualified experts with strong scientific credentials. She reassured that supporting gut health doesn’t need to be complicated; simple, consistent daily choices can have a meaningful impact over time. This approach offers a practical way to enhance immune function and overall wellness during the colder months, countering common myths and misinformation about winter illnesses.