Risk of illness, better sleep, weight loss… What are the effects of cold on our body and our mind ?

Good or bad, here are some effects of cold on our body. ILLUSTRATION GETTY IMAGE

As a cold wave hits France this week, with expected temperatures reaching up to -15°C in places, Midi Libre is doing the update on the impact of cold on our body.

If certain symptoms of the effect of cold on our body are visible, others are more discreet, but are not without impact. 

The most exposed parts, the extremities such as the hands and feet are particularly sensitive to the cold. They must be protected sufficiently to avoid the formation of  chapping, painful cracks which develop in areas long exposed to sharp cold which dehydrates the skin. Devoid of water, it dries up and becomes tight. Furrows are dug and cracks appear.

Exposure of the extremities to negative temperatures leads to vasoconstriction of the capillaries. This natural phenomenon of fighting against the cold can ultimately lead to the appearance of red lesions on the hands, feet but also the ears or face, where the skin is thinner and fragile. , which we call frostbite.

Risk of cardiovascular diseases

To fight against the cold and maintain a stable body temperature, our body must mobilize more energy. The heart therefore beats faster and consumes more oxygen.

The arteries are called upon to contract more, which increases blood pressure. Result: we are more vulnerable to cardiovascular accidents. A risk which is even higher when you have unhealthy arteries, that is to say blocked.

Studies cited by Le Parisien also show that some of our immune defense mechanisms are affected by the cold, which would make it easier to pass viruses, even if the cold is not the only culprit, because viruses circulate more when rooms are less ventilated, which exposes us more easily to germs.

Little impact on weight

Since the body is more mobilized in cold weather, the idea is widespread that we burn more fat at this time. This is indeed the case. But the nutritionists interviewed point out that this is a minimal loss. There is therefore no point in eating more with the idea of ​​warming up. 

On the other hand, you need to remember to hydrate well when temperatures drop. Firstly because the sensation of thirst is altered when it is very cold and the water in the body helps keep us warm. If you are dehydrated, you will lose a lot more heat and could put yourself at risk of hypothermia. It is therefore important to drink water regularly throughout the day. 

Good for sleep

A positive point of cool temperatures: it is often admitted that cold allows you to fall asleep faster and sleep better. L’Ademe just like the Institute of Sleep and Vigilance (InSV), recommend keeping your bedroom thermostat between 16°C and 18°C. 

In addition, low temperatures would have an impact on air quality, reducing the volatility of certain particles and certain gases.

And against all odds, good for morale

If we sometimes talk about "winter blues", the cold would in fact have no negative effects on our morale. Indeed, according to our colleagues at La Dépêche, by acting on our hormones, and in particular on adrenaline which acts like a shield, the cold would in fact be a "morale booster&quot ;

The cold also releases endorphins, also known as the "happiness hormones", which will act to stop pain. "Cortisol will allow us to relax and the combo oxytocin and dopamine, which allows us to have a feeling of intense joy", specifies the health specialist by the' 39;cold water, Myriam Willemse.

Finally, the cold creates anticyclonic conditions, more regularly causing a blue and bright sky, contributing to the secretion of melatonin, serotonin and dopamine, mood regulators.