How your body adapts to cope with the winter cold

While spring tends to bring brighter, warmer weather, the season can still produce bouts of bitterly cold weather. Here, GP clinical lead explains how the freezing temperatures can affect different parts of the body

The hypothalamus gland in the brain responds to signals from nerve endings and releases hormones in an effort to regulate body temperature and keep the vital organs warm.

In doing this, it causes blood vessels to tighten (vasoconstriction).

Where the body is exposed to drastic cold weather for a prolonged period (hypothermia), the function of the hypothalamus can affect the thinking process, so someone may become less able to think clearly. (necrosis) and require surgical removal.

The hormones released by the hypothalamus tell our skin to act as an insulator to retain body heat.

This causes hairs to cling to the body, and goosebumps to develop. only go outdoors wearing enough layers, and that you wear gloves and thick socks to help protect your fingers and toes from frostbite. It’s thought that we lose 7-10% of body heat through our head, so having appropriate headwear can help to maintain our body temperature.

Try to limit your time outside. During freezing temperatures try not to spend any more time outdoors than you absolutely need to. And if you have to go outside, see the above point.

Move around. The more stationary you are, the more susceptible you will be to the cold. So try to stay active as much as possible, even if you’re indoors.

Eat or drink something hot. During colder weather hot meals and drinks can help your body to maintain a healthy core temperature.

Be careful on ice. If you do go out, try to avoid walking on icy, slippery surfaces to reduce your chances of a fall; and use footwear with a good grip on the sole.