Marcos Llorente, current Atlético de Madrid player, has gone viral again after revealing his latest technique: walking half-naked in 0ºC early in the morning. The Spanish player explained that this routine “elevates melatonin” through “direct and indirect methods”.
Effects of cold on health
First of all,it is good to point out that exposure to low temperatures,if carried out in a limited time and by adopting some precautions (mainly,wearing insulating clothing) to prevent our body from losing too much temperature,has no effect such serious and immediate effects for our health as those whose temperature may be too high; largely because we have various mechanisms that allow us to regulate our body temperature to some extent.
Even so, the truth is that low temperatures can have different effects on our bodymany of which are caused precisely by the fact that our body activates these thermoregulatory mechanisms.These include an increase in heart rate, a contraction of peripheral blood vessels, a movement of blood from the extremities to the body to keep organs warmer, and an increase in the thickness of the blood.
While it is true that there are studies that have found that sleeping in a cool room (rather than a warm room) increases melatonin production and improves sleep, this refers to cool temperatures and should not apply to short, specific exposures to minimum temperatures.
When the body temperature drops below normal values (around 36 and a half to 37 degrees),something can happen if we expose ourselves to too intense cold for too long,especially if we do not wear insulating and dry clothing,we can suffer from hypothermia,according to the prestigious Mayo Clinic of the united States.
Hypothermia,a serious complication
Hypothermia is a functional failure of various organs following a sudden and excessive drop in body temperature,caused such as by exposure to cold or immersion in cold water. If not addressed, it can lead to damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and ultimately death.
Los symptoms of hypothermia include chills, slurred speech (slurred, babbling), slow, shallow breathing, weak pulse, lack of coordination, drowsiness, disorientation, memory loss, loss of consciousness, and, in newborns, red, cold skin.
It should be kept in mind that two of the main risk factors for suffering from hypothermia are thermal radiation per body surface unexposed (exposed skin) and exposure to wind, which removes the thin layer of warm air covering the body.
This condition is mainly addressed warm the affected personwhich in more severe cases may include methods such as transfusing warm fluids into the body,irrigation,or the use of humidified oxygen.
The cold and colds
It is indeed true that, contrary to popular belief, a cold in itself does not cause you to get a cold or the flu: in both cases it is infectious diseases and thus we must come into contact with the pathogen (usually virus).
Of course there is some evidence without a very solid scientific consensus behind itwho state that exposure to cold could decrease the activity of the immune system, facilitating the proliferation of viruses in our body.
Therefore, in general, we have good reasons to be be careful when exposing yourself to the cold. Whenever we go out in very cold temperatures, we should avoid wearing wet hair or clothing and cover ourselves adequately.
References
mayo Clinic. Hypothermia. consulted online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682 December 11, 2024
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What are the potential risks of extreme cold exposure for athletes?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Gonzalez, Sports Science Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Gonzalez! Today,we have a fascinating topic on our hands—Marcos Llorente of Atlético de Madrid has gone viral for his unconventional technique of walking half-naked in sub-zero temperatures. He claims this routine helps elevate melatonin levels. what are your thoughts on this method?
Dr. Gonzalez: Thanks for having me! It’s certainly an intriguing approach, and it has sparked discussions about the effects of cold exposure on our health. While Llorente’s technique may seem extreme, there’s science backing the notion that temperature can influence our bodily functions, including melatonin production.
Time.news editor: That’s interesting! Can you explain what melatonin is and why it’s so crucial?
Dr. Gonzalez: Absolutely.Melatonin is a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain, and it plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Adequate levels of melatonin help us sleep better, which is vital for recovery, especially for athletes like Llorente.
Time.news Editor: So,are there any health benefits to exposure to cold temperatures,as Llorente suggests?
Dr. Gonzalez: Exposure to cold can indeed trigger several physiological responses. For a short duration, it can activate thermoregulatory mechanisms in our bodies, like increasing heart rate and redistributing blood flow to maintain core temperature. This process can have positive effects, such as slightly thickening the blood, which may improve circulation for some individuals.
Time.news Editor: However, the article mentions that while sleeping in cooler rooms can enhance melatonin production, this doesn’t necessarily apply to extreme cold exposure. Can you clarify that?
Dr. Gonzalez: You’re right. Sleeping in a cool environment can benefit melatonin production,as it signals the body that it’s time to rest,while extreme cold exposure,like what Llorente is doing,can be too harsh. It may cause stress on the body and is not necessarily advisable. the key is to find a balance; controlled exposure can be beneficial, but extreme exposure can backfire if not managed properly.
Time.news Editor: So, for the average person considering trying this approach, what precautions would you recommend?
Dr. Gonzalez: First and foremost, individuals should avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. If someone is interested in cold exposure, it would be wise to limit the time spent in those conditions and to wear insulating clothing to avoid hypothermia. Additionally, they should consult a medical professional, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like finding the right environment and balance is crucial. What could be a safer option for those wanting to experience the benefits of colder temperatures without the risks?
Dr. Gonzalez: A great alternative would be taking cold showers, participating in cold-water swimming, or icing specific body parts after workouts. These methods can still provide some of the benefits of cold exposure, such as reduced inflammation and improved recovery, without the extreme risks that come with walking outside half-naked in freezing temperatures!
Time.news Editor: Some valuable insights, Dr. Gonzalez. As we wrap up, do you think Llorente’s viral technique might inspire other athletes to explore similar methods?
Dr.Gonzalez: It’s entirely possible! Athletes are always seeking ways to optimize performance and recover effectively. However, I hope they’ll approach such techniques with caution and be informed about the science behind them. It’s important to strike a balance between innovative practices and safe health measures.
Time.news editor: Thank you, dr.Gonzalez, for sharing your expertise on this captivating topic. It’s clear that while some cold exposure can be beneficial, it’s essential to prioritize safety and proper knowledge.
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you.