Our Doc Will See You
Health|November 2018

Now Get the facts on the latest buzzy superfood, pee problems, and more.

Our Doc Will See You

Q.Sometimes after I finish a run outside on a cold day, I have a coughing fit. What’s up with that?

While winter workouts are great for some people, cold or dry air can trigger exercise induced asthma (EIA) in others. EIA is a condition in which the small airways in the lungs swell, making it more difficult for air to pass through. Chilly weather can also spur cells to release histamine, a compound involved in allergic reactions that can lead to wheezing. Other signs of EIA include chest tightness and breathlessness; the symptoms usually go away 30 to 45 minutes after you’ve finished an intense workout.

When you have any respiratory troubles, make an appointment with your doc to get to the bottom of the problem. If tests show you do have EIA, she may prescribe an inhaler to use before winter workouts, or medication you can take daily. You might also try running with a scarf over your mouth and nose; that will help warm and humidify the air you’re breathing in, so it doesn’t irritate your airways. And don’t skimp on your warm-up and cool down—the longer they are, the better.

Is spirulina really a miracle food, or just super trendy?

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria), is what lends so many smoothie bowls on Instagram their sea-colored hue. It’s an excellent source of protein, iron, and beta-carotene, a pigment that your body converts into vitamin A. Some studies suggest spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties and that it may reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and liver disease.

This story is from the November 2018 edition of Health.

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This story is from the November 2018 edition of Health.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.