Do you think alcohol keeps you warm in cold weather? Doctors Reveal Health Risk Behind This Popular Myth
Do you think alcohol keeps you warm in cold weather? Doctors Reveal Health Risk Behind This Popular Myth
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Do you think alcohol keeps you warm in winter? Doctors say it does the opposite. Here's How Drinking Alcohol Can Lower Body Temperature and Increase Risk of Hypothermia
Dietician Bhavesh Gupta explained this recently in a viral video on social media. According to him, alcohol causes the blood vessels near the skin to widen, a process known as vasodilation. This sends more blood to the skin, creating a warm sensation.While this sensation may be comforting, it is harmful in cold climates. As more blood flows to the skin, heat escapes the body more quickly. This causes a drop in core body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Dr Anant Joshi also addressed this issue on social media. He explained that while alcohol may briefly make one feel hot, it actually causes the body to lose heat faster and disrupts natural immune responses such as shivering.Doctors warn that people who consume alcohol in cold conditions are at increased risk of serious health complications. In some cases, excessive heat loss has led to hospitalization due to a dangerously low body temperature. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is a toxic and carcinogenic substance linked to several serious diseases. Experts recommend safer ways to stay warm, such as wearing warm clothing, drinking soups or tea, and eating a balanced diet.Scientific studies show that alcohol weakens the body's natural defense mechanisms. It delays and suppresses chills, which is one of the key ways the body generates heat in cold conditions.Disclaimer: This information is based on general medical knowledge. News18 does not independently verify these claims. Consult a qualified health professional before making health-related decisions.
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Many people believe that drinking alcohol in winter helps keep the body warm. Drinks like rum are often considered protection against the cold. However, doctors and scientific studies say this belief is misleading and potentially dangerous.
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