In winter, the body shifts into a mode focused on conserving warmth, supporting immunity, and easing digestion. During this season, digestive strength naturally weakens, making cold, raw foods harder to process. Lettuce, while healthy in warmer months, is cooling, water-rich, and usually eaten raw—qualities that can slow digestion in winter and lead to bloating, fatigue, and a lingering feeling of cold, especially in sensitive individuals.
Doctors note that frequent winter salads may also displace warmer, more nourishing foods the body needs for energy and immune support. Lettuce isn’t harmful, but moderation and preparation matter. Pairing it with warm foods, using warming spices or oils, and keeping portions small helps maintain balance. In colder months, cooked vegetables, root crops, grains, and soups better support digestion, warmth, and overall resilience.