Many Brits continue to hold onto common misconceptions about how colds are contracted. A survey of 2,000 adults in the UK revealed that over a quarter (27%) mistakenly believe that merely being outside in chilly weather can cause a cold. Additionally, 28% of the respondents think that going outdoors with wet hair directly leads to illness, while 22% assume that sitting in a drafty room can make one unwell. Nearly three in ten (29%) are convinced that cold weather alone can weaken the immune system.

This survey was carried out for Yakult, which has collaborated with registered dietitian Lucy Kerrison to dispel widespread myths about winter health.

Lucy Kerrison clarified, “Cold weather or having damp hair are not the culprits for catching colds—viruses are. There are numerous misunderstandings regarding our immune system, often passed down through generations.”

She elaborated that spending more time indoors increases the ease with which these viruses spread. Thus, it becomes crucial to bolster your immune system, particularly through maintaining gut health.

“Approximately 70% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut, where they interact with the trillions of microbes forming our gut microbiota,” Lucy explained. “This complex ecosystem helps to ‘educate’ your immune system, enabling it to respond correctly to harmful pathogens while staying tolerant to non-threatening substances like food.”

Lucy emphasized that to maintain effective cooperation between the gut and the immune system, individuals should diversify their diets. This means incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and herbs into their daily meals.

“Our gut microbes feed on the fibre found in plant foods, so the more variety you eat, the broader the range of beneficial bacteria you can nurture,” she added. 

“Fermented foods such as live yoghurt, kimchi, and fermented milk drinks also play a role. Look for products which note their strain names and bacterial count as these products are more likely to improve the balance of gut bacteria and therefore your immune system.”

It emerged that 42% of Brits find it harder to maintain a healthy gut during the winter months. With 41% admitting they crave richer, heavier comfort foods when the weather turns cold. 

A fifth also said their busy social calendar makes it difficult to stay balanced, especially when festive events lead to overindulgence.

In an effort to stay on top of their wellbeing, more than a quarter (27%) have turned to social media for inspiration, with 39% of those looking up gut health hacks and trends.

But 63% admit that health advice online can often be confusing.  Science manager for Yakult, Dr Holly Neill, added: “Social media can make wellness trends sound simple or miraculous, but not everything you see is backed by science.”

She cautioned that people should avoid blanket recommendations such as everyone avoiding gluten. “Promises of quick fixes are a red flag,” she said. 

“Nutrition is nuanced, and there’s no such thing as a silver bullet. Always look for advice from sources with recognised expertise and a strong scientific background.

“Supporting gut health doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple, everyday choices can have a real, positive impact over time.”