When we look back in time, the evolution of humanity is quite clear to see, from Neanderthal Man to modern man. There are changes in fundamental areas such as the shape of the skull and skeletal structure, then the loss of hair too.
Over millions of years these changes happened, but what about changes that occur today, quickly and effectively? Our bodies are complex systems of chemical reactions, some might think we are frail, but in fact, we are tougher than you might realize. Experts from Click Pharmacy share 5 amazing ways the body adapts the environment it finds itself in:
- Turn up the thermostat
Our average internal temperature should be about 37.5 degrees, and even a couple of degrees higher or lower than this can cause serious problems. Hypothermia will set in below 35 degrees so when we are plunged into an atmosphere that is so cold it risks damaging us, what happens?
There are a few ways of increasing your body temperature:
- Thermogenesis – your body produces heat in a variety of ways such as shivering
- Vasoconstriction – this is where the blood vessels constrict at the extremities to keep the warm blood near the vital organs inside
- Hormonal thermogenesis – your body creates hormones to increase your metabolic rate and therefore warm you up
- Cool it, sister
When we get too hot, similarly there can be all manner of issues. So how do we cool down when it gets a bit hot under the collar?
- Vasodilation – the blood vessels get wider allowing more blood to flow in areas where the heat finds it more comfortable to escape
- Sweating – the evaporation of the sweat causes the body to cool down
- Acclimatisation
After extending periods in a particular environment, the body will begin to function differently. For example, the Inuit people of North America have more (warmer) blood flowing to their extremities to regulate their temperature
- Cultural changes
We all know man-made fire, but the fact this happened shows adaptability and advancement. Other cultural adaptations have taken place too, for example, we built shelters, which turned into buildings and then the homes we have now. We invented clothing and heating etc. so it all goes to show the power of the person to adapt to change.
- Social adaptation
Our primal instincts are still there somewhere, no matter how much we may try to stifle them with modern technology! We can spot danger and threat in our environments and choose to confront to avoid it with the fight or flight rationale. This is a pivotal way to dominate or survive in our given environment and still happens in today’s world.
Our advancements biologically have been extensive and none more so than in the medical world. While our bodies can adapt and change, there is so much treatment available to help us stay well that it’s worth taking a look for all the things you may need at Click Pharmacy.
