Does the human body adapt physically to certain climates and if so, how? For example, Florida had “dangerous windchills” of low 30’s recently at the same time Minnesota had a “warm weekend” with temps in the low 30’s. What physical differences actually occur when you live in a certain climate a long time, or is it all mental?
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I have also wondered this. And while I can’t exactly explain the general acclamation to a climate, but I think I understand the basics and have a theory. (I am not an expert, so the following is just my understanding.)
Our bodies regulate temperature largely through our skin’s pores. They open and let sweat out to cool us (via evaporative cooling), and they close to prevent cooling (aka retain heat).
This effect is most noticeable when we get into cold water. After a few seconds to a minute, we start to “get used to” the water temperature. What’s happening is that our skin’s pores close up, and the blood flow is drawn away from the surface of the skin to some degree. This limits the cooling effects of the water on our circulatory system since our blood is further away from the cold water.
Another place/situation where you can feel this effect (in the opposite direction) is if you ever have the chance to go into a sauna in the cold weather. Once in the hot sauna (often over 160º F), you can literally feel your skin start to open up and eventually sweat will flow. (Source: I have a sauna.)
Given these two examples, I suspect that when people in live colder climates, their body generally keeps the blood further away from the skin’s surface.
Like I said, I’m not an expert, but I hope this helps.
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