Our Climate Is Forcing Us To Change Our Behaviors. How Can We Increase Our Heat Tolerance Safely?
Heat tolerance is a gradual process. It allows our bodies to adapt and withstand higher temperatures over time. This is known as heat acclimatization. It involves several physiological and cellular changes in order to help us cope with heat stress. Here are a some ways your body can build heat tolerance:
Gradually expose yourself to moderate heat while increasing the intensity and time of exposure over days or weeks. This will allow your body to adjust gradually without becoming overwhelmed.
Proper hydration is extremely important in order to maintain your body's ability to regulate temperature. Adequately hydrated, your body can efficiently dissipate heat through sweating.
Engage in physical activities in hot temperatures with moderate intensity, increasing exercises gradually. This will allow your body to adapt to the demands of heat stress during exercise.
Wear lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting clothing in when it is hot. This will help facilitate heat dissipation while preventing overheating.
Shade and cool environments can assist you while acclimatizing. Look for cooler areas in order to rest and recover from heat exposure.
Make sure you pay attention to how your body responds to heat in order to avoid heat-related illnesses. This can appear as heat exhaustion or heatstroke, take immediate actions to cool down and seek medical attention if necessary.
Increasing heat acclimatization can lead to an increased sweat rate. This helps your body cool down more efficiently.
It is possible for heat acclimatization to increase blood flow to the skin. This can promote better heat dissipation through the process of vasodilation.
The cells in your body can change to handle heat stress. Heat shock proteins can increase to protect cells from heat-induced damage. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/07/29/how-to-become-heat-tolerant/https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/heat-shock-protein
It is important to remember that heat acclimatization should be done gradually. Everyone's
tolerance levels will vary. Pay attention to your body to avoid overdoing it. Avoid extreme heat conditions, especially if you are not acclimatized yet. Before attempting any heat-related activities, consult with a healthcare professional.
Peace & Balance
Patricia Pointer
COTA
Certified Massage Therapist
Medical Massage Practitioner
Wellness Coach
Consultant
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