When exposed to cold temperatures, your body reacts in several ways to maintain its core temperature and protect vital organs. The primary physiological response to cold water exposure is vasoconstriction - blood vessels in the skin and extremities narrow, reducing blood flow to these areas. This helps preserve heat and maintain your core body temperature.
Additionally, cold exposure triggers the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT), also known as brown fat. Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat is specialized in generating heat. When activated, brown fat burns calories and glucose to produce heat, making it an attractive target for research on metabolic health and weight management.