Some people are more sensitive to cold than others due to factors such as their body mass, percentage of body fat, basal metabolism, and blood circulation. These elements impact the body's ability to maintain its internal temperature and protect extremities from the cold.
We are not all equal when it comes to the cold, and your genes play a big role in this. Some people are simply lucky enough to have genetic variants that allow them to better withstand low temperatures. For example, researchers have identified that certain genes directly influence the functioning of brown fat cells, that famous brown fat that helps you produce more heat when it’s cold. Other genetic differences also affect the quality of your blood circulation to the extremities like fingers and toes, explaining why some people have constantly freezing hands while others are comfortable even without gloves. In short, genetic inheritance is a lottery that largely determines your ability to bear the cold.
Muscles are a bit like your internal radiator: the more you have, the better you produce and retain heat. The body generates its own heat by burning energy, and muscles are champions at this job. People with a greater muscle mass generally produce more internal body heat due to their more active metabolism. Conversely, those with less muscle tend to feel the cold more quickly, lacking sufficient internal warmth. Basically, your muscles literally serve as your personal thermal blanket!
As we know, with age our ability to manage cold decreases. As we get older, our metabolism becomes less dynamic: we naturally produce less heat, so we are more quickly cold. In addition, blood circulation is no longer as effective as before; it struggles to distribute heat well to the extremities (like hands or feet). As a result, it is often elderly people who are the first to shiver even when it is not that cold. Conversely, young children are also very sensitive because their bodies are smaller, their skin thinner, and they quickly lose accumulated heat. Therefore, babies and elderly people are more vulnerable; we need to keep an eye on their temperature!
Not everyone is equally sensitive to the feeling of cold. Our nervous system constantly sends messages to our brain to inform it of how cold it is. In some people, these signals arrive in a particularly intense or faster way: these individuals perceive the cold more acutely. Specific temperature receptors are present in varying numbers depending on each person, which significantly changes the experience of cold. Another interesting detail: in several individuals, the brain areas responsible for processing temperature signals are naturally more active. They amplify the sensations of cold. As a result, even at exactly the same temperature outside, some people will shiver while others stroll comfortably.
What you eat has a significant influence on your ability to withstand the cold. Foods rich in fats and proteins provide your body with the energy needed to produce more body heat. Your body burns these foods more slowly, somewhat like putting a big log in the fireplace; it lasts a long time and heats well. Certain foods, especially those rich in iron like lentils or red meat, also improve your blood circulation and make your body more efficient at distributing heat throughout. Conversely, a low-calorie or unbalanced diet can make you more sensitive to the cold quickly, as your body has less fuel to maintain your internal temperature.
Women generally feel the cold more intensely than men because their metabolism is often lower, and their decreased muscle mass makes them less effective at generating body heat.
Did you know that the shiver triggered by cold can increase heat production in your body by up to five times, thanks to the quick and involuntary contractions of the muscles?
Lack of sleep can increase your sensitivity to cold. Indeed, pronounced fatigue disrupts the body's thermoregulation mechanisms, making it less effective in dealing with low temperatures.
Some spices, like ginger or cinnamon, can temporarily boost your resistance to cold by naturally stimulating blood circulation and slightly activating your metabolism.
Absolutely! Regular physical activity increases your muscle mass and improves blood circulation, which allows for better temperature regulation and increased resistance to cold.
In general, yes. Women have a lower muscle mass and a slightly different basal metabolism, which makes them statistically more sensitive to the cold. However, as always, there are many individual exceptions.
This difference in thermal perception may be due to several factors such as individual metabolism, muscle mass, genetic differences, and even each person's emotional or psychological state.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes, the regular consumption of foods rich in protein and healthy fats, as well as hot or spicy dishes, can temporarily boost body heat production and thereby improve your resistance to the cold."
Not necessarily, but extreme sensitivity or sudden onset can indicate certain medical issues such as anemia, ineffective blood circulation, or thyroid disorders. In this case, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Yes, it is possible to gradually increase your tolerance to cold through gradual exposures, which stimulates the body's thermoregulation mechanisms and improves blood circulation.
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