Winter can be one of the hardest seasons for the body. The days are shorter, the air is colder, and our daily rhythms often change. On top of that, the holidays bring plenty of stress — from late nights and rich foods to travel and emotional ups and downs.
This combination of seasonal and lifestyle factors can influence one of the body’s most important natural processes: inflammation.
Inflammation: The Body’s Double-Edged Sword
Inflammation is part of the body’s built-in defense and repair system. It helps protect against challenges and supports recovery. In this sense, inflammation is a friend.
At the same time, when stress and lifestyle factors keep signals switched on longer than needed, inflammation may feel more like a foe. That’s when people often notice more fatigue, tension, or slower bounce-back during the winter season.
Stress and the Inflammatory Load
Stress doesn’t just affect the mind — it can influence how the body manages inflammation. When the stress response is activated too often, it may leave the body feeling less flexible and resilient.
This is one reason long stretches of stress, irregular sleep, or unbalanced nutrition can feel draining. The body is still doing its job — but with more effort.
ABM Mushrooms and Whole-Body Support
Among mushrooms, Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) stands out for its nutritional richness. Its beta-glucans help train immune cells to respond appropriately, while its natural antioxidants — including ergothioneine and glutathione — support the body’s ability to adapt to oxidative stress.
This combination means ABM contributes to balance on multiple levels, helping the body stay steady under pressure — especially valuable during the stress-heavy, winter months.
Practical Winter Habits for Balance
Inflammation itself is not negative — it is essential. The key is supporting the body so this response rises when needed and calms when the job is complete. Consistency matters most:
• Keep up daily movement, even gentle walks.
• Choose hydration throughout the day.
• Include colorful, nutrient-dense foods on your plate.
• Add mushrooms like ABM for their polysaccharides and antioxidants.
• Protect time for rest and recovery.
Takeaway:
Stress and winter often go hand-in-hand, but they don’t have to overwhelm your resilience. Through balanced choices — and steady support from whole foods such as ABM mushrooms — you can help your body maintain flexibility and balance throughout the season.
Bibliography
- Slavich, G.M., & Irwin, M.R. (2014). From stress to inflammation and major depressive disorder: a social signal transduction theory of depression. Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), 774–815.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035302 - Dhabhar, F.S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunologic Research, 58(2–3), 193–210.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-014-8517-0 - Medzhitov, R. (2008). Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature, 454, 428–435.
👉 https://doi.org/10.1038/nature07201
- Slavich, G.M., & Irwin, M.R. (2014). From stress to inflammation and major depressive disorder: a social signal transduction theory of depression. Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), 774–815.