As temperatures drop, many people turn to alcohol as a way to keep warm. But does alcohol actually help keep you warm in the cold?.

Understanding how body temperature regulation works

Before we can answer that question, it’s important to understand how the body regulates temperature. Your body has a core temperature that it strives to maintain, between 97.7 and 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

When your body temperature drops below this range, you begin to feel cold and your body responds by trying to warm up.

One way your body does this is by constricting blood vessels in your extremities, like your fingers and toes, to reduce blood flow to those areas and keep your core warm.

This is why your fingers and toes are often the first parts of your body to feel cold.

Another way your body regulates temperature is by shivering. When your body shivers, it produces muscle contractions that generate heat and help raise your body temperature.

How alcohol affects body temperature

Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it causes blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow. This is why some people may feel warmer after drinking alcohol – more blood flow means more heat.

However, this effect can be misleading. While alcohol may increase blood flow to your skin, it actually causes your core body temperature to decrease.

This is because alcohol affects the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates body temperature.

When you drink alcohol, your hypothalamus thinks your body is overheating and starts to produce sweat. This sweat evaporates on your skin, causing you to feel cooler.

Meanwhile, your core body temperature is actually decreasing, which can be dangerous in cold environments.

The dangers of relying on alcohol to stay warm

Relying on alcohol to stay warm in cold environments can be dangerous for several reasons. First, as mentioned, alcohol decreases your core body temperature, which can lead to hypothermia in extreme cases.

Second, alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, which can make you more susceptible to accidents and injuries in cold environments. This is especially true if you’re already feeling the effects of hypothermia and aren’t thinking clearly.

Finally, drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can make it harder for your body to maintain a consistent body temperature. Dehydration can also cause other negative effects, like headaches and fatigue.

Other ways to stay warm in the cold

So if alcohol isn’t a reliable way to stay warm in the cold, what are some other options?.

First, dress appropriately. Wear layers of clothing that are designed to retain heat, like wool or synthetic materials. Make sure your hands, feet, and head are well covered, as these are areas where heat can escape easily.

Second, eat hot, high-energy foods. Consuming foods like soup or chili can help raise your core body temperature and provide energy to keep you warm.

Third, stay active. Physical activity generates heat and can help raise your core body temperature. This doesn’t mean you have to do a full workout – even a short walk or other light activity can help.

Conclusion

While alcohol may initially make you feel warmer in cold environments, it actually causes your core body temperature to decrease and can be dangerous if relied on as a sole source of warmth.

Instead, focus on other strategies like dressing appropriately, eating hot foods, and staying active to stay warm in the cold.