Heat: can you handle it?

We have had really summery weather in the Netherlands for many days. Some people really like the heat, while others absolutely can’t stand it. What could be the cause of this big difference? They did research on this at the University of Arizona.

Habituation and evolution

One of the possible causes can be found in habituation. The research has shown that people generally have the opportunity to get used to changing weather conditions. If you don’t like hot weather, or don’t seem to be able to handle it well, it can help to stay in a warm area. This way the body gets used to it and can tolerate it better. The speed with which one adapts can differ from person to person. The reason for this is probably in the genes. It may be that someone has a predisposition to deal with changing weather conditions and therefore adapts more easily to climate extremes.

When someone has started living in a different climate, he or she has to adapt to the ‘new’ climate. It has been found that the next generations that grow up in ‘the new’ climate are increasingly better adapted to the climate. This means that adapting to the climate is a form of the evolution that occurs.

Common Causes

Some general things that influence how well you can handle heat are: the possibility of sweating, skin pigmentation, strength of the heart and also how close the blood vessels are to the surface of the skin.

With depression or other mental problems, it is often more difficult to regulate body temperature. This means that you are less able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Tips

We have collected the tips from Omnigen employees, what to do against the heat:

  • Drink a lot of water. You sweat a lot, so it is important to replenish the lost moisture
  • eating (water) ice creams
  • Don’t go outside at the hottest time of the day
  • Looking for cooling in water
  • Using shadow
  • To cool a room quickly: put a bottle of water in the freezer, then put it frozen in front of a fan, turn on the fan and it gives an ‘ice’ cold wind.
  • Wearing a cap

Nutrigenomics

Provides insight into your genetic predisposition with regard to various metabolic processes in the body. A genetic profile can help make the right choices to meet the body’s daily nutrient needs.

A genetic profile can help make the right choices to meet the body’s daily nutrient needs.

Healthy weight

Macronutrient Balance

Micronutrients

Salt sensitivity

Do you know?