Temperature: how does the body regulate heat and cold
Your body operates in a narrow range across all its parameters. This is necessary to ensure that the underlying processes work. Allow me to explain using body temperature.
Thermoregulation is the process by which the human body maintains a stable internal temperature. Typically, this is 37°C, regardless of the temperature outside.
The body will go to extraordinary lengths to maintain this temperature.
There is a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus involved in regulating body temperature. When it senses factors that may cause a change, it swings into action.
Imagine it is getting hot.
Your body will sweat, allowing water to rise to the surface of your skin. Water on the skin allows the air around to cool your skin.
The blood vessels around the surface of your skin expand. Opening of the blood vessels allows heat to be released. You could experience it as redness of the skin.
Your body will slow down. A reduction in body activity will reduce the internal heat being generated. From digestion, for example.
You may suddenly find the clothes on your body feel uncomfortable. You might feel the urge to remove a shirt or sweater.
Obviously, the reverse would happen if it is cold.
But what if your ability to regulate body temperature is affected?
There are many people who feel too cold or too hot. Regardless of what everyone else is feeling. Many a marriage has struggled with husband and wife having different views on how hot or cold their room ought to be.
The first place to check if your endocrine system. Your thyroid. Your thyroid makes two hormones, T4 and T3.
When you are making too much, your metabolism speeds up, generating more heat. When you make too little, your metabolism slows down, make you feel colder than normal.
Both conditions can be regulated by regulating your intake of iodine. Your body uses iodine to make T4 and T3.
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