You probably have been told that your body temperature "should" be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and that any deviation, higher or lower, is a red flag for potential health concerns. But the reality is much more complex. Generally, body temperature is somewhat variable among individuals and may fall within the range of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius) as recorded by an oral thermometer. Other factors that affect this temperature include age, sex, time of day, and even levels of physical activity.

While a slightly lower temperature might not be alarming, the possible reasons behind it should be known. Let's take a deep dive into the causes of low body temperature and when to seek medical help.

What Does a Low Body Temperature Indicate?

Good news: A slightly lower-than-normal body temperature is often nothing to worry about. Research from Harvard Health Publishing suggests that the "new normal" for body temperature might be closer to 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.4 degrees Celsius). This shift could result from factors like increased time spent in climate-controlled environments and a population-wide reduction in metabolic activity and inflammation.

That said, it is a medical emergency with a body temperature that remains consistently lower than 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius. Hypothermia occurs if the body loses heat much faster than it can replenish it, thereby slowing down the nervous system and heart and other vital organs.

Causes of Low Body Temperature

1. Hypothermia

Exposure to prolonged cold environments may cause hypothermia. Babies and the elderly are the most vulnerable as their bodies cannot regulate temperature as effectively as other people. The symptoms include shivering, slow breathing, confusion, and drowsiness.

Wear warm clothing in cold weather, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption because it increases heat loss through dilation of blood vessels. In case hypothermia has set in, go to a warm place immediately, remove wet clothes, and seek medical care.

2. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland controls metabolism, which directly relates to body temperature. An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, results in a low body temperature that is persistent. Often, symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and intolerance to cold.

If you suspect a thyroid problem, see a doctor who will draw blood to determine your hormone levels. Therapy usually consists of replacement thyroid hormone therapy.

Also Read: How Your Bedroom Temperature Impacts Your Sleep Health

3. Nervous System Disorders

The hypothalamus in the brain controls body temperature. Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as strokes, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, can disrupt this regulation, resulting in a low body temperature. These disorders may also impair the body's ability to respond to cold environments.

4. Severe Infections

While infections often cause fevers, serious illnesses like pneumonia or sepsis can cause a drop in body temperature, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems. Low body temperature in these cases can indicate complications that require urgent care.

5. Certain Medications

Certain antidepressant medications, drugs used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, and medications used to treat schizophrenia can result in hypothermia as a side effect. In this case, you must contact your health care provider and have him determine whether or not this is indeed due to a drug.

6. Other Medical Conditions

Low body temperature may result from anorexia nervosa, deficiency of vitamin B1, hypoglycemia, or from erythrodermic psoriasis-a serious skin disease.

Is Low Body Temperature Related to Hypertension?

Cold settings cause an increase in blood pressure since the contraction of the blood vessels enhances resistance. According to some research studies, lower core body temperature may be related to the rising rate of blood pressure. If you feel cold intolerance with the simultaneous onset of high blood pressure, it would be worth your while to consult with your doctor to have proper assessment.

How to Read Your Own Body Temperature

Sometimes, a low temperature reading may be due to improper use of a thermometer. To ensure accuracy:

• Use a digital thermometer, which provides the most reliable results.
• Place the thermometer in contact with the skin or use oral or rectal methods for better accuracy.
• Hold the thermometer steady until it signals that the reading is complete.
• Taking multiple readings can also help confirm accuracy.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Not all temperature fluctuations are a cause for alarm. However, you should consult a doctor if your temperature remains below 97 degrees Fahrenheit and is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, shivering, or confusion.

For temperatures below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, medical attention is necessary immediately. Symptoms of severe hypothermia or sepsis, such as slow breathing, disorientation, and a weak pulse, should be treated in an emergency.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Body temperature norms. NIH

Thermoregulatory disorders and illness related to heat and cold stress. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2016

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. NIH

Quantification of Human Thermal Risks During Ambient Temperature Steps Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation. AATCC Journal of Research. 2024

Summers are approaching and what would be better than having your own clothes that keep you cool? Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States are working on innovations and have also applied for a patent. The research team led by Dr Vinoy Thomas, who is a native of Valakam in Kottarakkara. The findings have been published in the journal of the American Chemical Society.

What Is The New Finding Of Self-Cooling Fabric?

The researchers did not create a brand-new cooling fabric. Instead, they introduced a technique that transforms regular textiles into heat-regulating materials. This is done using two processes: electrospinning and plasma surface modification.

The first technique allows boron nitride nanoparticles to be evenly spread across the surface of the fabric. The second method uses low-temperature plasma (LTP) treatment to embed silicon oxide nanoparticles into the stitching threads.

Both boron nitride and silicon oxide are known for their heat-resistant qualities. By combining these two methods, researchers have created a coating that significantly lowers heat. The nanoparticles act as an added protective layer on the fabric.

Testing showed that the coating remains effective even after five to eight washes and does not affect the fabric’s original properties. Although its performance gradually decreases with repeated washing, researchers suggest applying a double-layer surface coating to improve durability.

Commercial production is expected to start once the patent is approved. In experiments, the coated garments reduced an external temperature of 35°C by 15°C, lowering it to 20°C. According to the researchers, this technique can be applied to any type of fabric.

Unlike earlier studies that focused on inventing entirely new heat-resistant materials, this innovation modifies existing fabrics. The study states that this approach is more efficient and cost-effective than current technologies.

The research team also includes Dr Ranjith Rajanpillai, Dr Kannadasan Appavu, Dr Claudiu T Lungu, and Dr Sanjay K Behura from the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.

Innovations For Sizzling Summers

In Japan, something similar happened when former Sony engineer Hiroshi Ichigaya came up with kuchofuku or "fan jackets". This garment has a built-in feature, powered by battery, which is a fan at the lower back. This helps the circulation of air and to evaporate sweat and cool workers. These jackets are commonly used by construction workers, delivery partners, and people working in factory to combat extreme heat.

The meningococcal B vaccine (4CMenB) is completely ineffective in preventing gonorrhea -- a sexually transmitted infection (STI) --, especially among high-risk groups like gay and bisexual men, according to the results of the world’s largest randomized control trial (RCT).

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae, and is transmitted through unprotected sex.

Even as antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea has increased rapidly in recent years, Australian researchers explored the efficacy of 4CMenB against the disease.

The large randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 587 gay and bisexual men showed that the risk of gonorrhea incidence remains essentially the same even after vaccination.

“Across both arms, the gonorrhea incidence was virtually the same -- at around 48 per cent per year, indicating very clearly that the vaccine had no effect on preventing gonorrhea,” said Professor Kate Seib, from Griffith University, in Australia, who led the trial.

In light of the study, the researchers stressed the need to explore other options to combat gonorrhea, such as condoms and regular testing.

The 4CMenB Vaccine

While meningococcal disease (caused by Neisseria meningitidis) and gonorrhea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) are distinct infections, both are caused by Neisseria bacteria, which share 80-90 percent genetic material.

The bacterium N. meningitidis primarily causes meningitis and septicemia, and observational studies have shown that meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines such as the 4CMenB offer 33-40 percent cross-protection against gonorrhea.

However, the latest study, presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Denver, US, found no protection against gonorrhea.

The study “provides strong evidence that the 4CMenB meningococcal vaccine is not effective at preventing gonorrhea in gay and bisexual men who are at high risk of contracting it,” Seib said.

According to the US National Institute of Health, the 4CMenB vaccine is a highly effective, protein-based vaccine designed to protect against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup B.

Approved in over 50 countries, it offers 71-95 percent effectiveness in infants and 100 percent in adolescents.

What Is Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI, and sexually active people of any age can get the disease and pass it on to partners, and even to their baby during childbirth.

Gonorrhea is the second most common STI caused by bacteria, just behind chlamydia.

As per data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.

The NIH noted that nearly 1 million new gonorrhea infections occur in the United States every year. About half of these infections occur in people ages 15 to 24.

The symptoms of Gonorrhea in men include:

• White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
• Pain or burning (possibly severe) when peeing
• Testicular pain and swollen testicles.

Notably, the condition also occurs in women, but up to 50 percent of them won’t experience symptoms. This increases the risk of spread to other partners.

• Common symptoms in women include:
• Unusual vaginal discharge (white or yellow).
• Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain when you pee
• Bleeding between periods

A new study suggests that drinking sugary drinks can increase anxiety, among other mental issues, in adolescents by 34 percent.

Sugary drinks are known to be more harmful due to their low fiber, protein, or fat, which typically slow down digestion in solid foods. This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly, causing a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Hyper-fast intake of such drinks can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part. n large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Apart from this, a Bournemouth University, UK literature review analyzed people aged between ten and 19 who drank fizzy drinks, colas, sweetened fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee and found multiple links between the beverages and anxiety diagnosis.

The gut-brain axis — the connection between the brain and the gut — may help explain the link between sugary drinks and anxiety. But gut health is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, and sleep, which are also linked to anxiety.

Overall, the study suggests that cutting back on sugary drinks could help support teenagers’ mental health. While many studies have looked at how reducing sugary drinks improves physical health, more research is needed to see if it also benefits mental health.

READ MORE: Smoking Cannabis Can Lead To Mental Illnesses In Teenagers, Study Finds

WHO Asks Countries To Tax Sugary Drinks

The World Health Organization is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.

In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including sodas or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

How To Cut Back On Sugary Drinks?

Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.

You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor.