Don’t be a “cold person”! How to keep your hands and feet warm in winter? | There is great science in life

Although this winter is likely to be a warm one, the feeling of warmth is different for different people. Some people's hands and feet are still as cold as ice even if they wear the thickest down jackets, wool gloves and wool socks. This makes people wonder, have we really become "ice men"? Today, let's uncover this winter mystery, explore the secret of why it is difficult for hands and feet to keep warm in the cold, and share some tips to warm up your hands and feet.

The human body's "temperature control master": heat transfer and blood circulation

Imagine your body is like a well-designed city, and blood circulation is the "heating system" of this city. When the temperature outside drops sharply, in order to protect the core areas (such as the heart and brain) from the cold, the body will automatically start the "energy saving mode" and reduce the amount of blood flowing to the extremities (such as hands and feet). This means that even if you have wrapped yourself up like a dumpling, your hands and feet may still become cold due to reduced blood flow.

In addition, the cold receptors on the skin are like thermometers in the city. Once the outside temperature drops, they send a signal to the "central control room" (the brain). After receiving the alarm, the brain commands the peripheral blood vessels to constrict to prevent excessive heat loss. Although this is a self-protection mechanism, it is also the reason why our hands and feet often do not feel a bit of warmth in cold weather.

The science behind bad jokes: temperature regulation and peripheral vascular response

Did you know? In fact, everyone has their own "air conditioner"! When we encounter a cold environment, the complex temperature regulation system in the body starts to get busy. The nervous system regulates the contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, changes the distribution of blood circulation, and ensures that important organs are always at a suitable working temperature. However, for "remote areas" such as hands and feet, they naturally get much less "heating".

Moreover, the efficiency of "air conditioning" varies from person to person. Some people are naturally sensitive to cold, and their peripheral blood vessels contract more strongly, which explains why some people feel their hands and feet are particularly cold even in the same environment. It's like some people's homes are warm as spring in winter, while their neighbors' homes are as cold as an ice cellar.

The ultimate challenge of clothing: the competition between external environment and thermal insulation equipment

Of course, we won't give up easily. Wearing thick clothes is like putting on a protective shield for the body, trying to resist the cold invasion from the outside world. However, even the best warm equipment has its limitations. When the external environment temperature is extremely low or the wind speed is high, even the best down jacket may not be able to completely prevent heat loss. Especially when choosing shoes and socks, if the shoes are not warm enough or have poor breathability, the feet will easily feel cold; similarly, gloves that are too tight or made of non-breathable materials will also affect the blood circulation and temperature of the hands.

Little happiness in life: Tips to improve cold hands and feet

Now that we know the reasons, how can we prevent our hands and feet from being "frosty" this winter? Here are a few simple and practical tips:

Exercise is king. Regular aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc.) can not only energize your body, but also promote blood circulation, increase metabolic rate, and warm up your hands and feet faster.

Pay attention to diet. Maintain a balanced diet and take in enough calories and nutrients. Eat more foods rich in iron and vitamin B12 (such as red meat, animal liver, green leafy vegetables, etc.), which will help improve blood circulation. At the same time, avoid eating too much cold food (such as cold drinks, raw and cold fruits, etc.).

Choose the right warm equipment Wearing warm and breathable clothing and shoes is essential. Choose high-quality warm materials and pay attention to the tightness of the clothes to avoid affecting blood circulation. You can also consider using auxiliary tools such as warming patches and heat packs to provide extra warmth for your hands and feet.

Soak your feet before going to bed . Soaking your feet in hot water every night can not only help you relax your body and mind, but also promote blood circulation, keeping your feet warm at night.

Health checks are essential: If the symptoms of cold hands and feet persist and cannot be relieved, or are accompanied by other discomfort symptoms (such as dizziness, fatigue, etc.), it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to rule out potential health problems.

Warm hands and feet, wonderful winter days

In this cold winter, I hope these tips can help you get rid of the trouble of cold hands and feet and enjoy every warm moment. Whether playing in the snow or chatting around the fire, don't let cold hands and feet ruin the beauty. The New Year is coming, I wish you have warm hands and feet to welcome a brighter new year!