Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Raise The Body'S Thermostat

There are several methods to raise body temperature.


Low body temperature is usually caused by being in a cold environment, but it also can be caused by medical conditions. As you get colder, your blood flow slows and your muscles contract causing you to shiver. This is the body's attempt to generate more heat. If you are suffering from low body temperature, there are things you can do, such as exercising, layering your clothing or eating spices, to bring your body to the commonly accepted core temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. You also can use these same methods to raise normal body temperature. Higher body temperature is linked with burning more calories and reducing fat.


Instructions


Exercise


1. Warm up slowly by doing 3 to 5 minutes of low-intensity exercise. Slow jogging or walking are examples of warm-up exercises.


2. Pick up the pace of your exercise to a moderate level and maintain that level for 20 minutes. This will give your heart rate sufficient time to speed up and raise your body's core temperature.


3. Slowly decrease the intensity level of your workout and do an additional 5 minutes of low-intensity, cool-down exercises. This allows your heart rate to come back to normal. Your core temperature, however, will remain elevated for hours after you exercise.


Layer Clothing


4. Begin by wearing a thin layer of clothing that wicks away sweat. This will keep the cold sweat from touching your skin and lowering your body temperature. Several brands make shirts, tights and socks from wicking material.


5. Add one to two additional layers of clothing to keep you warm. End with a wind-resistant coating if you are outside.


6. Make sure all your extremities are covered. Wear a hat that covers your ears as well as a scarf and mittens to keep away cold and wind.


7. Pay special attention to your feet if you are outside in the cold. Wear boots that have a thermal layer and are waterproof.


8. Wrap yourself in a blanket or bed covers if you are indoors or will not be moving around.


Nutrition


9. Buy spices that cause your body temperature to rise. These spices include cayenne pepper, ginger and garlic.


10. Add complementary spices to all your meals. Cayenne may be added to eggs for breakfast, while ginger and garlic may be added to your meat or vegetable dishes.


11. Add extra carbohydrates, such as vegetables, to your meals. Your body's temperature will rise as your body breaks down the nutrients from the carbohydrates.


12. Increase the number of meals you eat throughout the day. Your temperature will stay consistently raised as your body digests food.


13. End your meals with warm or hot drinks and avoid drinking cold water or soda with your meals.

Tags: body temperature, your body, your meals, core temperature, ginger garlic, heart rate