The body's thermoregulation mechanism
According to Dr. Zubair Sarkar, a neurologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital (Kanpur, India), human warmth and cold perception is mainly controlled by the brain, especially the hypothalamus. This region plays a role in regulating body temperature through controlling blood flow, metabolic activity and nervous system reactions.
When the ambient temperature drops, the body will activate mechanisms to retain heat such as peripheral blood vessel contraction and heat generation. In some people, this air conditioning system works more effectively, helping to maintain stable body temperature even in cold weather.
Factors that help some people feel less cold
Metabolic rate is one of the important factors. People with high metabolic rate will generate more heat during energy metabolism, thereby being less affected by low temperatures. In addition, brown fat tissue also plays a significant role in heat generation. Unlike white fat tissue which has the function of storing energy, brown fat tissue has the ability to burn energy to generate heat, helping to maintain body temperature. People with good functioning brown fat tissue often feel less cold.
In addition, the sensory nervous system in the skin also affects the ability to sense temperature. In some people, cold sensing receptors are less sensitive or signals to the brain are slower, making the cold feeling less obvious. Genetic and hormonal factors also contribute to the difference. Some genes and hormones, especially hormones related to stress responses, can increase heat generation in the body.
When to pay attention?
According to Dr. Sarkar, rarely feeling cold is usually not an abnormal sign. However, if the ability to feel temperature changes suddenly or accompanies symptoms such as numbness in hands and feet, prolonged fatigue, unexplained weight changes or heavy sweating, patients should not be subjective.
These signs may be related to thyroid disorders, metabolic disorders, or peripheral neurological diseases that require examination and medical evaluation.
Recommendations for health protection
Experts recommend that even when not feeling cold, people should still wear clothes suitable for the ambient temperature to protect the heart and internal organs. Drinking enough water is also very important, because dehydration can affect the body's thermoregulation mechanism.
If you notice a prolonged change in the feeling of hot and cold, early examination will help detect and promptly handle potential health problems.
