Srinagar, Dec 22: On a cold morning, before hunger or movement, the body seeks one thing above all else: warmth. The instinct to reach for a blanket, a cup of tea or sunlight is not merely comfort-driven — it is biological.
Medical experts say warmth plays a foundational role in how the human body functions, particularly in circulation, immunity, digestion and muscular health.
“Maintaining core body temperature is the body’s first survival priority,” said Dr. Anil Gupta, an internal medicine specialist based in Delhi. “When the body is cold, it diverts energy away from non-essential functions like digestion and immunity to preserve heat.”
The average human body functions optimally at around 37 degrees Celsius. Even slight drops in temperature trigger a cascade of physiological responses — blood vessels constrict, circulation slows and muscles stiffen.
“When you’re exposed to cold, peripheral blood flow reduces to conserve heat for vital organs,” said Dr. Meera Nair, a consultant physician. “That’s why hands and feet feel cold first.”
This vasoconstriction, while protective in the short term, can increase strain on the heart and elevate blood pressure. Studies published in The Lancet and BMJ have linked cold exposure to higher cardiovascular risk, particularly in older adults.
Research increasingly shows that warmth supports immune defense, especially in the respiratory system.
A study from Yale University found that cooler nasal temperatures reduced the immune response to viruses, including those responsible for the common cold. Warmer conditions helped immune cells release more virus-fighting proteins.
“Cold air can slow down the immune response in the upper airways,” said Dr. Nair. “This partly explains why respiratory infections spike during colder months.”
Warmth also improves lymphatic circulation, which plays a role in clearing pathogens and cellular waste from the body.
Traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have long linked warmth with digestion — a connection now supported by modern research.
“Digestive enzymes work best at optimal body temperature,” said Dr. Gupta. “When the body is cold, digestion slows, leading to bloating, acidity or discomfort.”
Warm beverages and meals increase blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, aiding nutrient absorption. A Japanese study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that warm liquids accelerated gastric emptying compared to cold ones.
This is why many cultures instinctively begin the day with warm water, tea or broth.
Muscles are particularly sensitive to temperature. Cold muscles contract and become less elastic, increasing the risk of stiffness and injury.
“Warmth improves muscle elasticity and joint lubrication,” said orthopedic specialist Dr. R. K. Malhotra. “That’s why warming up before exercise is non-negotiable.”
For people with arthritis or chronic pain, heat therapy has been shown to reduce discomfort by increasing blood flow and relaxing surrounding muscles.
A review in The Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that heat application improved mobility and reduced pain scores in patients with osteoarthritis.
The relationship between warmth and mental health is subtle but significant.
Cold exposure activates stress hormones like cortisol, while warmth promotes parasympathetic activity — the body’s “rest and digest” mode.
“There is a psychological safety associated with warmth,” said Dr. Nair. “It signals rest, recovery and stability.”
Research in Psychological Science has shown that physical warmth can influence emotional perception, increasing feelings of comfort and social connection.
From an evolutionary perspective, warmth meant survival. Early humans who conserved heat had more energy for hunting, healing and reproduction.
“Before food, before activity, the body needs a stable internal environment,” said Dr. Gupta. “Warmth provides that baseline.”
This is why newborns are immediately warmed after birth, why trauma patients are protected from heat loss, and why hospitals closely regulate room temperatures.
Doctors caution that constant cold sensitivity may indicate underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders or poor circulation. However, the everyday desire for warmth is normal and adaptive.
“Wanting warmth is not weakness,” Dr. Malhotra said. “It’s the body asking for conditions in which it can function best.”
In a world that often equates endurance with strength, the science suggests otherwise: the body thrives not by resisting warmth, but by receiving it.
