The National Health Commission held a press conference on the 19th to introduce the relationship between seasonal solar terms and health (winter solstice). Regarding the folk belief that drinking alcohol and eating spicy food in winter can dispel cold and prevent coldness, Gao Feng, chief physician of Wangjing Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said that these practices should be considered unscientific. Firstly, after drinking alcohol, the 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 recommended not to drink alcohol during medication. Because many drugs can have adverse reactions with alcohol, such as commonly used cephalosporin antibiotics, sedatives and sleeping pills like escitalopram, antipyretic and analgesic drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and many others. Especially cephalosporin drugs, it is not advisable to take them within 3 days after drinking alcohol, and should not drink alcohol within 7 days after taking 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. In addition, people such as children and adolescents, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should not drink alcohol. Secondly, one cannot rely on eating spicy food to dispel coldness and prevent coldness. Eating spicy food in moderation can enhance appetite and promote sweating. But eating spicy food 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. Gao Feng emphasized that winter is suitable for dietary therapy and nourishment in terms of adapting to the weather and seasons for health preservation, but attention should be paid to reasonable combination and balanced nutrition. Dietary supplements include two aspects, one is warming yang and the other is nourishing yin. For people with yang deficiency constitution, which means they are usually afraid of cold and have cold hands and feet, it is suitable to warm up yang and eat more lamb, beef, walnuts, chestnuts, and so on. If you have a constitution of yin deficiency, such as dry mouth and throat, and hot hands, feet, and heart, you need to nourish yin. You can eat more foods such as fungus, Tremella fuciformis, and lotus root. Suggest using cooking methods such as stewing, boiling, and soup making. Dietary therapy and supplementation should vary depending on age, individual physique, and region. It is recommended to consult a doctor and not blindly supplement. (New Society)