The cold winter has arrived, and it is often said among the people that "drinking some wine and eating some spicy food in winter can dispel and resist the cold". In fact, the so-called idea that drinking alcohol and eating spicy food can warm the body is just an illusion. Today, Dr. Gao Feng, Chief Physician of Wangjing Hospital, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will introduce the correct dietary methods to keep the body warm in winter. Drinking alcohol makes one more susceptible to catching a cold. The idea of drinking alcohol to warm oneself up is just an illusion. Gao Feng introduced that after drinking alcohol, subcutaneous capillaries dilate and blood flows rapidly to the surface of the body. In a short period of time, the face and body may feel warm and sweaty, but the heat will dissipate faster from the surface, making it easier to catch a cold or flu. Additionally, it is strongly advised that those who are currently taking medication should not drink alcohol during the medication period. Because many drugs can have adverse reactions with alcohol, such as commonly used cephalosporin antibiotics, sedatives and sleeping pills like estazolam, antipyretic and analgesic drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and so on. Especially cephalosporin drugs, they should not be taken within three days after drinking alcohol, and should not be consumed within seven days after taking the medication, otherwise there may be disulfiram like reactions, manifested as severe discomfort such as palpitations, headaches, vomiting, and even life-threatening situations. During medication, it is important to carefully read the instructions, and if seeking medical attention, promptly inform the doctor of recent alcohol consumption history. Eating spicy food to ward off the cold and damage the body is not reliable. Gao Feng explained that eating spicy food in moderation can enhance appetite and promote sweating. But eating spicy food also varies from person to person. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that spicy food can easily consume body fluids, causing discomfort such as dry mouth and throat, oral ulcers, constipation, etc. For people with chronic digestive system diseases such as chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, it may also trigger the onset or aggravation of the condition. Winter health should pay attention to reasonable combination and balanced nutrition, with dietary supplements focusing on "warming yang" and "nourishing yin". Among them, "warm yang" is more suitable for people with yang deficiency constitution, who are usually afraid of cold and have cold hands and feet. These people can eat more lamb, beef, walnuts, chestnuts and other foods. If you have a constitution of yin deficiency and often experience dry mouth, throat, hands, feet, and heart, then nourishing yin is necessary. These people can eat more foods such as fungus, silver ear, lotus root, etc., and it is recommended to use cooking methods such as stewing, boiling, and soup making. Gaofeng also emphasized that it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking tonics, and choose the most suitable dietary "prescription" for oneself based on age, personal physique, and region, to avoid the adverse effects of blindly taking tonics. There are four delicious dumpling fillings that nourish the body. As the saying goes, 'On the winter solstice, don't eat dumplings in a bowl. If you freeze your ears, no one will care.'. Eating dumplings on the winter solstice is a traditional custom in northern regions, which is said to have originated from the "Qu Han Jiao Er Tang" by the medical saint Zhang Zhongjing. So, what kind of filling is more suitable to eat during this season? Kang Junren, Deputy Chief Physician of Clinical Nutrition at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Yang Yingli, Chief Physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommend four types of fillings for everyone. Lamb and radish filling, warm and smooth; Cabbage and mushroom filling, clearing heat and nourishing qi; Leek and egg filling helps to stimulate yang energy. For friends who need to control their blood lipids and blood sugar, we recommend "cucumber egg shrimp dumplings" because cucumbers are rich in water and low in calories, eggs provide amino acids and phospholipids, and shrimp are rich in protein and calcium. When filling, it is recommended to use less fat, oil, and salt. In addition, adding buckwheat flour to noodles can increase dietary fiber, which is delicious and nutritious. (New Society)