Is Cold Weather Good For Us?
Categories: Happiness, Health, Worrywart
PrintIs Cold Weather Good For Us?">
As we struggle through the final few weeks of scraping ice off our windshields and shovelling heavy snow off our driveways, the question on the minds of most Canadians is probably this: Why do we live in this winter-dominated frozen land? And, more importantly, is it good for our health to endure months of chilly temperatures, bitter winds and dehydrating indoor heating?As the Harvard Medical School reports, the answer to that last question is both yes and no. While winter is generally regarded as the the season for illness, living in a cold climate really isn't that bad for our health. In fact, it's kind of good for us. Studies out of Finland conducted a few years ago found that daily exposure to cold increased levels of Norepinephrine, a vital hormone that plays a role in pain suppression.
What's more, chilly temperatures can be good for the waistline. Dutch research has concluded that moderately cold temperatures of 16C can help activate the brown fat in our bodies, which burns more calories than our other type of fat, white fat. And if a relatively balmy 16 degrees can burn extra calories, just think what the sub-arctic temperatures of Winnipeg can do for your calorie burn. Did you know shivering can burn around 400 calories an hour -- about a much as a spin class. It goes without saying that exposing yourself to the elements in the height of winter shouldn't be considered a diet tactic, but at least it's nice to know the time we spend in January dashing from our car to the grocery store might have some added benefit.
But as you might have guessed, winter does have its downside when it comes to health matters. For example, studies from France concluded that winter can raise blood pressure, especially in people over 80. And it's no coincidence that winter is flu season -- cold temperatures can compromise your immune system's defenses, making you prone to illness. And indoor heating can be a bummer on your skin -- make sure you're moisturizing regularly and drinking lots of water.
And read this to keep your winter blues under control and this to keep your immune system strong all year round!
Recent Posts
- Weight Loss and Alcohol: Is Extra-Light Beer a Better Choice? (7/30/2010)
- The Importance of Friends, Pregnancy Eating, Loving Your Body... (7/30/2010)
- Baby on the Way? Get Your Arms in Shape for Baby-Holding Marathons (7/30/2010)
- How to Be Happier in 30 Days: Release Your Fear (7/30/2010)
- Nutritious Green Beans Are Now in Season... (7/29/2010)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
yoohoomissblue 3-07-2010 @ 10:37PM
I disagree that the winter helps the waistline. I am out walking in that regularly (daily) Not just out clearing a driveway in order to get in a warm car to go from point A to point B. I'm literally burning energy and hoisting my legs and body over snowbanks carting 30lbs of groceries . However, I do gain weight over the winter in spite of this. I think I pile on 30lbs of fat to equal the 30lbs of groceries. I'm not a big eater either and do tend to eliminate the bad foods and opt for healthier choices more often.
However, I do feel that the cold weather may isolate and destroy certain viruses. It makes scientific sense. So in that case it may do us well. Although on the other hand it can increase our stress. The constant exposures to cold shocks our body into stress.. Perhaps this in fact may be part in the fact of gaining weight in the waistline in spite of any effort to reduce that. Being cold in itself effects our body just as constant pain would. It's easier harder to get warm after being cold. Why do we die quickly of hypo-thermia? It shocks our heart doesn't it? Our heart is one of our major organs thus we see many heart attacks and strokes in winter seasons.
Of course while we involve ourselves in FUN things like conversation, sliding, skiing dancing or footsy games (yep we do that) it can switch your mind to more positive focus so that you aren't as aware of the cold. Like tripping our brains. I've done this with my family while walking so that they are not complaining of being cold. That idea of FUN is what switches the pain tolerance. It also keeps our blood circulating faster if we run or bounce as we are cold. Otherwise the cold will FREEZE that... It also can cause a freezing effect to the muscles.
So in this being said, I don't feel it's the cold in itself that is good for us but what we do in the cold.
Just as with snowmobiling- if you compare it to a rollercoaster ride. As scary as it may seem you enjoy it through the thrill .. You're busy in action so it mutes the feeling. Enhansing matters. We just learn that we have to adapt and not be a wimp. You shake it off and get up and walk..
The cold is also noted to trigger illnesses involved with the immunity. Therefore could be lethal to some with immunodeficiency disorders {lupus, cancer, AIDS, etc...even vasculits.} Plus can be a risk if you have a high fever. Some are just less tolerant.
Reply
yoohoomissblue 3-07-2010 @ 10:50PM
Also,what I left out is that the cold weather is very harsh on the skin. It causes windburn and frostbite. Using the many creams and lotions out there on the market in spite of their claims are no benefit to this because of the harsh ingredients. (lauryl sulphate, retin A etc.. a lot of reading to define which is which) Especially on very tender skin of youths. Fair skinned people most effected. Plus the salts used on the roads during winter are a risk to the skin. As the wind is blowing that blows too.
...Having your face planted in a snowbank with that salt at town central could actually work like an acid if not having the opportunity to get it washed off right away. (thought provoking)
Reply
yoohoomissblue 3-07-2010 @ 10:57PM
-- there again, blood circulating does in fact help the skin. It helps the "epidermis" to breathe and the sweat detoxes and cleanes the skin..
bla bla .. ok outta here! (o; Twas fun!
Reply