Why is it important to keep your hands and feet warm in cold weather?

Why is it that when you're under a blanket and feel a little warm, you just stick your feet out and the temperature becomes perfect? ​​Or if you're feeling cold, putting on socks will warm you up immediately? So why do your feet have such a significant impact on body temperature?

Hands and feet are peripheral parts of the body, so their temperature is usually lower than other parts. That's why in cold weather, many people experience freezing hands and feet, even when their bodies are warmed under blankets and socks are on for a long time.

Our feet help us maintain a stable body temperature.

Doctors say that for patients who experience cold hands and feet in cold weather, most cases are not cause for concern and can be resolved with simple measures and by keeping their hands and feet warm.

Here is the answer from Professor Jim Cotter, University of Otago.

"It's true that feet have a significant impact on body temperature, especially during sleep."

For several reasons, our feet help us maintain a stable body temperature.

Like the hands, the feet have a large surface area and specialized blood vessels that only open to allow large volumes of blood to pass through, so they dissipate heat more quickly when needed. When not needed, these blood vessels constrict.

If the feet get too cold, it will activate pain receptors, causing discomfort.

This, combined with the fact that the hands and feet are at the ends of the limbs and lack muscle (muscle dissipates heat), means their temperature will drop more quickly than other parts of the body.

Therefore, by using specific nerves controlled by the thermoregulator in the brain, we can virtually change the temperature of our feet, thereby precisely regulating our body temperature.

As for the "instant warming sensation when wearing socks," it's more of a feeling than a reality (although in some cases, that feeling is real).

Warming your feet actually offers clear benefits.

If the feet get too cold, they will activate pain receptors, causing discomfort; therefore, warming the feet will actually provide clear benefits.

This also relates to the saying, "If it's cold, put on a hat." Because the head loses a significant amount of heat when it's cold, and it can't retain heat on its own forever.

Whether we are comfortable with the current temperature is also very important.

Wearing a hat is very effective, both in terms of feel and in practice; it also helps the thermostat to better restrict blood flow to the legs, so the legs will stay cooler and more comfortable."

In cold weather, you need to pay special attention to keeping your hands and feet warm.

How to keep your hands and feet warm in cold weather.

- Always keep your hands and feet warm: In cold weather, you need to pay special attention to keeping your hands and feet warm, especially your feet, by using warm and sweat-wicking socks and gloves.

Minimize exposure to cold environments, avoid drinking cold water, and absolutely do not let your feet come into contact with cold ground or water.

- Soaking in warm water before bed: Soaking your feet and hands in warm water with a little salt for 10 to 15 minutes before bed is an effective way to keep your hands and feet warm and stimulate blood circulation.

You can add a little chamomile or lavender essential oil to your foot and hand soak to help improve blood circulation. Afterwards, dry quickly with a soft towel and apply moisturizer; this will ensure a good night's sleep through the cold winter nights.

It's important to note that you shouldn't wear tight socks, gloves, or clothing, as this can hinder blood circulation.

According to Phunutoday