Why do we get cold when drinks?

We feel cold when we drink beverages due to several physiological responses and effects on our body. Here's why:

1. Temperature Transfer: When you consume a cold drink, the liquid comes into contact with the tissues in your mouth, throat, and stomach. These tissues are warmer than the drink, causing heat to transfer from your body to the drink. As a result, your body loses heat, leading to a sensation of coldness.

2. Activation of Thermoreceptors: The lining of your mouth, throat, and stomach contains specialized temperature-sensitive receptors called thermoreceptors. These receptors detect the change in temperature when you drink something cold and send signals to your brain. Your brain interprets these signals as a decrease in body temperature, triggering a response to conserve heat.

3. Vasoconstriction: In response to the signals from thermoreceptors, your body activates a mechanism called vasoconstriction. This process causes the blood vessels near the skin to narrow, redirecting blood flow from the extremities towards your core. As a result, your skin temperature decreases, and you may experience a feeling of coldness in your hands, feet, and limbs.

4. Metabolic Changes: Drinking cold beverages can also affect your metabolic rate. Your body must expend energy to warm the cold drink to match its internal temperature. This process increases your metabolic activity, leading to the production of heat and a temporary rise in body temperature. However, as your body adjusts to the increased metabolic rate, it may eventually return to a lower temperature, contributing to the feeling of coldness.

It's important to note that the extent to which you feel cold after drinking a beverage can vary based on factors such as the temperature of the drink, your body's sensitivity to temperature changes, and your overall health and acclimatization to environmental conditions.