Why Staying Warm is More Important Than You Think

And here’s the thing—I should have known better. My grandmother did.

She would always tell me, “Stay warm.. Keep your socks on. Don’t go outside with wet hair.” I brushed it off as old-fashioned advice, something that didn’t apply to me. I thought I was tough, that being cold was just something to power through, maybe even a way to build resilience.

But the older I get, the more I realize our elders carried wisdom that science is only now catching up to.

I used to be constantly cold and thought nothing of it. I saw it as an inconvenience at worst, something to ignore. What I didn’t realize was that it was robbing me of my energy. I had no idea how much harder my body was working just to keep me functioning.

Yet another piece of the puzzle that nutritionist and healer Karen Hurd helped me understand (her link here).

Your body has one non-negotiable job: Keep your core temperature at around 98.6°F, or you die.

It’s that serious.

The reason? Every single enzymatic and chemical reaction that sustains life depends on a precise temperature range to function properly. These reactions—whether they’re breaking down nutrients, repairing tissues, or producing energy—slow down dramatically when body temperature drops. If the temperature falls too far, essential metabolic processes grind to a halt, and without them, life cannot be sustained.

So when you expose yourself to cold—whether through external temperatures or the food and drinks you consume—your body goes into full survival mode.

Here’s what happens:

• Your thyroid kicks into overdrive to boost metabolism and generate heat, draining valuable resources.
• Your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to stimulate blood flow and muscle contractions (think shivering).
• Your energy is diverted away from healing, digestion, and immune function—because staying alive is the priority.
• Your blood vessels constrict, reducing circulation to your extremities to protect your core temperature, which can leave you feeling sluggish, fatigued, or prone to illness.

This is why chronic cold exposure—whether it’s from inadequate clothing, drinking ice-cold beverages, or living in a chilly home—slowly wears away at your body’s reserves. While temporary cold stress (like a cold plunge) can be beneficial when done strategically, constant exposure forces your body into a state of energetic debt, where it must work overtime just to maintain equilibrium.

What does this mean in real life? If you’re constantly cold, your body is spending its energy on temperature regulation rather than things like:

✔ Fighting off viruses and bacteria

✔ Keeping your digestion running smoothly

✔ Repairing damaged cells and tissues

✔ Supporting mental clarity and energy production

So, if you find yourself getting sick often, feeling exhausted, struggling with digestion, or even dealing with anxiety, your body might be living in a state of energetic debt—constantly working to warm you up, instead of functioning optimally.

Here’s something I never thought about before: Every time you eat or drink something cold, your body has to bring it up to body temperature before digestion can even begin.

So if you drink an iced coffee or eat a cold smoothie bowl, your body isn’t just digesting—it’s fighting to restore balance first.

And if you’re already low on energy? That just adds another layer of stress to your system.

This is why warm foods—soups, stews, roasted vegetables, herbal teas—aren’t just cozy and comforting in winter. They’re actually supporting your body’s ability to function without unnecessary strain.

When you support your body’s natural temperature regulation, you unlock powerful health benefits:

✔ Stronger immunity – Your body fights off infections faster when it isn’t spending energy on warming itself.

✔ Better digestion – Warmth keeps digestive enzymes active and prevents sluggish digestion.

✔ Improved circulation – Blood vessels expand in warmth, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach every part of your body.

✔ Less inflammation and pain – Heat relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness.

✔ Increased energy levels – Your body isn’t stuck in survival mode, so you feel more vibrant and clear-headed.

If you’ve ever been the person who feels cold all the time, consider this your sign to start prioritizing warmth.

Here’s how:

✔ Layer Up – Even if the cold doesn’t feel extreme, your body still experiences the stress of temperature regulation. Wear proper clothing, especially outdoors.

✔ Drink Warm Beverages – Swap out iced drinks for hot tea, broths, or warm water to support digestion and circulation.

✔ Eat Warming Foods – Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and warm proteins support your metabolism.

✔ Keep Your Home Warm – Don’t keep the thermostat too low at night—your body heals while you sleep, and warmth helps.

✔ Use Heat Therapy – Heating pads, warm baths, saunas, or infrared therapy can all help restore balance.

✔ Move Your Body – Light stretching and movement keep circulation flowing, preventing cold extremities.

We tend to dismiss cold as “just an inconvenience.” But it’s so much more than that.

Your body thrives in warmth. It’s not just about feeling cozy—it’s about functioning optimally. It’s about giving your body what it needs to heal, digest, detoxify, and keep you strong. Something as simple as staying warm could be the missing piece to better health and greater vitality.

Why not help your body out? Give it the gift of warmth so it doesn’t have to work so hard. Perhaps the energy it saves could go toward repairing cells, restoring balance, and strengthening your resilience.

So this winter, tune in. Notice how much better you feel when you’re warm. Notice how your digestion, energy, and mood improve.

Because heat heals. And your body deserves all the warmth and care you can give it.