Primal Primer 19 (Fitness)
As we expanded north and east from Africa, various species of hominids settled in geographies containing snowy and cold protracted winters. Fortunately, our ancestors were equipped with the keen super power of adaptation; contributing to internal activation of genetic pathways and survival mechanisms, while externally innovating in culture and technology to survive and thrive in these new lands. Fast forward to our current climate controlled environment, many of these genetic pathways remain dormant, no longer providing the benefits of hormesis and honing mental strength resiliency.
Cold Adaptation
Biological Resilience – Sapiens developed biological adaptations to handle cold climates. Living in colder regions develops higher basal metabolic rates that generate increased internal heat. Additionally, developing more subcutaneous fat for increased insulation.
Genetic Adaptations – Over generations, cold exposure drives genetic adaptations such as shorter limbs and stockier bodies. Cold also influences skin pigmentation, favoring lighter skin to optimize the production of vitamin D in low sunlight conditions.
Cold-Induced Metabolic Adaptation – Brown fat activation is stimulated by frozen environments. This particular fat burns energy to produce heat, helping early humans stay warm without relying solely on external heat sources like fire. Regular cold exposure not only activates brown fat, but also increases metabolism, further enhancing cold tolerance.
Tool & Clothing – To combat cold, sapiens innovated sophisticated tools for cutting, sewing, and shelter building; enabling better insulation technologies in clothing and structure.
Immune System – Stress from chilled environments improves overall health through immune function boosting; stimulating white blood cell production, lymphatic circulation (waste removal & immune cell activation), antioxidant response, and reduced inflammation (elevation of norepinephrine that suppress cytokines).
Sapiens Are Made Of The Elements & Should Be Exposed To Them
We live in a climate controlled crisis. Modern sapiens habitat between cushioned temperatures of 70-75 degrees independent of season. Our circulatory system no longer has the cyclic stimuli of adjusting to the high lows of night / day and winter / summer. Re-engaging the body’s amazing ability to adapt to stress through exposure of low temperatures attenuates the vascular system’s ability to dilate and constrict; increasing blood flow, heat, nutrient, and waste motility. Modalities of cold exposure such as ice baths and cold showers, boost feelings of alertness and well being (associated with increased neurotransmitter release), while increasing heart rate and shiver response (brown fat activation).
~Cave Implementation~
Expose yourself to discomforts of cold. Cold showers, ice baths, and moderate clothing in adverse controlled conditions activate a myriad of adaptive pathways. Find ways to be temperature uncomfortable everyday as the sapien’s body thrives when challenged. Timing and scales of temperature can be individual and based on trainable acceptance of misery. Cold showers are the most practical and accessible. Seek uncomfortable conditions and thrive from inviting resilience
Seek Uncomfortable Conditions & Thrive From Inviting Resilience.
