×

This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.

We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. This article may contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The feedback link “Was this Article Helpful” on this page can be used to report content that is not accurate, up-to-date or questionable in any manner.

This article does not provide medical advice.

1

Various Ways To Increase Body Temperature

Often it is seen by those living in temperate or colder climates that insufficient room heating, working outside and drafty windows can lead to body aches, cold fingertips, and lowered body temperature.

The body temperature in the human body is regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that compares the current internal temperature to the normal temperature of the body. If the body temperature drops below normal, signals are sent to this part of the brain, which further signals the body to generate heat.

As the body temperature drops the finger, legs, toes arm, and forehead get very cold. Sometimes a person gets so cold that the core temperature of the body is affected, and it can be a medical emergency.

An average body temperature is 98.6° (37°C). The normal core body temperature varies from person to person.

Various Ways To Increase Body Temperature

A cold environment is not the only reason for a low body temperature there are various other factors that can bring down the body temperature, which includes:

Various Ways To Increase Body Temperature

They are:

Foods That Can Help Warm The Body

There are some foods and beverages that can help give warmth to the body.

  • Hot Tea And Coffee: Warm beverages can give quick warmth to the body. The steam coming from hot tea and coffee, give warmth to the face and its heat warms up the hands.
  • Soup: Just like tea and coffee, warm soups can have a similar effect on the body.
  • Roasted veggies: Foods that are rich in fiber make you feel warmer. Roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or cauliflower can warm up the body when you bake them and keep you full and warmed up.
  • Protein and Fats: Proteins take longer to digest and also the body needs and an extra layer of fat to keep you warm. It can be derived from fats and proteins. Nuts, salmon, seeds, olives, salmon, and hard-boiled eggs are the protein-rich food that would not warm you up instantly but can be included in the diet for overall health.
  • Calorie-Dense Foods: When spending cold temperatures indoors and out, more calorie-dense food would be needed by the body.(1) Eating nutritious calorie-dense foods can help you in staying warm in colder months.

Foods That Can Help Warm The Body

Mental Activities That Can Keep You Warm

There are a few mental activities that can help keep you warm in those colder months. They include:

  • Meditation: Research shows that people can use meditation and visualizing techniques to raise their body temperature.(2)
  • Forceful Breath: A technique called vase breathing can be used to raise body temperature.(3)

It can be practiced by bringing in your breath, holding it for a few seconds, contracting both pelvic and abdominal muscles. This makes the lower body take the shape of a vase. It would require a bit of practice, but if done with meditation can raise the body temperature.

Physical Activity

Physical activities increase body temperature by increasing blood flow. Not all physical activities boost the core temperature, a few which do, include:

  • Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks, sets the heart racing, and increase circulation. This in turn increases the body temperature.
  • Walking: This activity helps you get fresh air and warms up the muscles. It keeps the blood moving through the body and warms it up. If it’s very cold outside, walking inside can also keep the temperature from dropping.

Putting the hands in the armpit can also raise body temperature. The armpits are the built-in heating centers of the body. Putting the arms in armpits hugs the body closer and warms the fingers.

Clothing

Layering-up of clothes gives body temperature a boost. It helps trap body heat closer to the body and makes you feel warm.

You can wear hats and gloves if they are available. The hat can keep the head warm. Keeping the head, hand, and feet covered can preserve the core body temperature.

Other Tips For Raising Body Temperature

  • Take a Warm Bath: Taking a dip in warm water or hydro-immersion therapy, also known as taking a bath that covers the chest can raise the body’s core temperature.(4) Additionally, taking bath before bedtime can improve blood pressure levels.
  • Stay Close To Someone: Warm breath and heat from another human being can keep the core temperature of the body from dropping too low.
  • Warm Clothes: Wearing warm cozy clothing can keep the body warm.

How To Prevent Yourself From Getting Cold?

There are a few steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting cold.

  • Wear layers of clothing
  • Wear warm socks and slipper around the home
  • You can use a heating pad and electric blanket when relaxing at home
  • Drink warm beverages and tea
  • During a car trip carry a lap blanket
  • Use draft dodgers for drafty doors
  • To maximize heat in living space close vents, curtains, and the rooms, not in use.

Even if you are feeling very chilly, the core temperature can be normal. It’s only when the body starts showing the symptoms of hypothermia (i.e. shivering, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, fumbling hands feeling tired and exhausted, and drowsiness) you need to be concerned. This is a time when you would need medical attention.

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:July 9, 2021

Recent Posts

Related Posts