Frequent colds are often blamed on “bad luck” or exposure to germs.
But resilience against infection depends as much on your body’s internal defences as it does on external exposure. One overlooked factor that can influence immunity is something as simple as cold feet.
Traditional wisdom meets modern science
In Chinese medicine, the feet are seen as having energy channels linked to our core vitality. Cold feet are thought to weaken these defences, making the body more vulnerable to infection.
This idea may sound like something your grandmother might say, yet modern research supports a similar link. A 2005 study from the Common Cold Research Centre at Cardiff University found that volunteers who had their feet chilled in cold water for 20 minutes were much more likely to developed cold symptoms within the next few days — compared to those in the control group who kept their feet warm.
Researchers suggested that chilling the feet may constrict blood vessels in the nose, temporarily reducing immune surveillance and allowing dormant cold viruses to take hold. Since we’re constantly exposed to such viruses, even small dips in immune response can make us more susceptible, perhaps one reason colds are more common in winter.
Why cold feet weaken defences
There are several possible explanations for why chilled feet might increase susceptibility to viral infections:
Blood flow changes
Cooling the feet causes constriction of blood vessels in the nose and upper airways, reducing circulation of immune cells that normally guard against viruses.
Viral activation
Many people carry cold viruses asymptomatically. Lowered local defences can allow these viruses to become active and trigger symptoms.
Many people carry cold viruses asymptomatically. Lowered local defences can allow these viruses to become active and trigger symptoms.
Practical ways to stay warm and protected
- Wear thick socks or slippers indoors, especially on cold floors.
- Try a warm foot soak in the evening to improve circulation and promote relaxation.
- Keep feet dry in wet weather, since dampness increases heat loss.
- Chinese medicine is particularly keen on keeping the back of the neck warm away from drafts such as with a scarf.
- Consider warming herbal teas (ginger, cinnamon), for example, my Detox Tea complements this warming effect perfectly.
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Don’t forget your nose and neck, a cosy scarf helps maintain warmth in key areas of circulation.
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The bigger picture
Small lifestyle choices can influence how well the immune system performs. Just as sleep, nutrition, and stress management are essential for resilience, even something as basic as keeping the feet (and body) warm can provide an extra layer of defence.
References
- Johnson C, Eccles R. Acute cooling of the feet and the onset of common cold symptoms. Fam Pract. 2005.
- Eccles R. An explanation for the seasonality of acute upper respiratory tract viral infections. Acta Otolaryngol. 2002.
- Craighead DH et al. Peripheral vasoconstriction and immune surveillance: physiological interactions in health and disease. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2017.
