lindsay
Member
This may sound like a really silly question, but there are some things about a raised metabolism (and warm weather) that have perplexed me for quite some time. So I thought I would just ask.
First of all, if warmer weather and summer are so metabolically stimulating, then why do many people experience inflammation when it gets hot? I tend to feel more bloated, lethargic (when the weather is hot & humid) - especially if it's hot but I cannot sweat, and appetite sometimes decreases, or changes. I know I definitely "feel" better in spring and summer (less depressed), but only when it's not SUPER hot (like not above 90 F), but more comfortable. If heat is so good, we wouldn't stay inside in air conditioning and go swimming in pools. So is there a general level where warmer tropical weather is metabolically stifling? It's great for food growth - and all animals are stimulated by the sunlight - but heat seems to be something totally different. I would hate to have to live at 98 F temperatures every day in summer. So that's one question. I've always preferred being cooler because it's easy to get warm, not always easy to cool down. And I love how I feel after jumping into cold water - something about it really seems to reduce inflammation and water retention.
The other question is, along with the increase in body temperature for a better metabolism, also comes an environment that is better for bacteria & allergens to thrive (which is similar with the summer months and heat). As much as I love warmer weather, it usually means more allergens and for me, I've noticed I feel like I am constantly trying to keep bacteria at bay with the foods I eat, despite taking thyroid. Think about kids - though they have a better metabolic rate, they get sick often (this could be many factors though - like having to go to public schools). So is this purely an immune issue, or is it just the consequence of having a higher temperature and eating sweet foods - the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive?
I'm sure there is a very good scientific reason for all of this, but if you look at the regions of the world where bacteria & viruses tend to thrive - they are not exactly cold regions. Where I live currently, I find the hot weather very oppressive (it's just started getting really warm this week). When I go to Florida, at least I sweat and cool off - here it's just like uncomfortable heat and elevated pollution. 85 or less = tolerable. 90+ = flat out annoying, IMO. Of course, evening and morning are OK.
Obviously, I get the downside of low body temperature and have experienced many problems when I had lower body temps and reduced thyroid function. But I also see a few negative changes since improving thyroid function - mostly digestive related and trying to keep bacteria away.
First of all, if warmer weather and summer are so metabolically stimulating, then why do many people experience inflammation when it gets hot? I tend to feel more bloated, lethargic (when the weather is hot & humid) - especially if it's hot but I cannot sweat, and appetite sometimes decreases, or changes. I know I definitely "feel" better in spring and summer (less depressed), but only when it's not SUPER hot (like not above 90 F), but more comfortable. If heat is so good, we wouldn't stay inside in air conditioning and go swimming in pools. So is there a general level where warmer tropical weather is metabolically stifling? It's great for food growth - and all animals are stimulated by the sunlight - but heat seems to be something totally different. I would hate to have to live at 98 F temperatures every day in summer. So that's one question. I've always preferred being cooler because it's easy to get warm, not always easy to cool down. And I love how I feel after jumping into cold water - something about it really seems to reduce inflammation and water retention.
The other question is, along with the increase in body temperature for a better metabolism, also comes an environment that is better for bacteria & allergens to thrive (which is similar with the summer months and heat). As much as I love warmer weather, it usually means more allergens and for me, I've noticed I feel like I am constantly trying to keep bacteria at bay with the foods I eat, despite taking thyroid. Think about kids - though they have a better metabolic rate, they get sick often (this could be many factors though - like having to go to public schools). So is this purely an immune issue, or is it just the consequence of having a higher temperature and eating sweet foods - the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive?
I'm sure there is a very good scientific reason for all of this, but if you look at the regions of the world where bacteria & viruses tend to thrive - they are not exactly cold regions. Where I live currently, I find the hot weather very oppressive (it's just started getting really warm this week). When I go to Florida, at least I sweat and cool off - here it's just like uncomfortable heat and elevated pollution. 85 or less = tolerable. 90+ = flat out annoying, IMO. Of course, evening and morning are OK.
Obviously, I get the downside of low body temperature and have experienced many problems when I had lower body temps and reduced thyroid function. But I also see a few negative changes since improving thyroid function - mostly digestive related and trying to keep bacteria away.
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