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How much temperature the human body supports

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Our naked body is not prepared to withstand extreme temperatures, such as those found on our planet. Incredible as it may seem, the maximums recorded range from -88ºC (below zero) in Antarctica to more than + 70ºC (above zero) in some deserts. However, for our health, and regardless of the environmental temperature, the most important is that of the interior of our body, which must be kept around 37ºC. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will answer the question of how much temperature the human body supports, considering both the outside and inside temperatures. Pay attention!

The maximum ambient temperature that the human body supports

Although the heat waves which we can endure up to 40ºC or more seem unbearable to us, the truth is that the human body is capable of withstanding temperatures much higher than these, yes, only for a short period.

According to the scientific investigations that have been carried out in this regard to find out what is the maximum ambient temperature that the human body resists, it would be able to withstand a maximum temperature of 127º, but for only about 20 minutes.

However, it has also been pointed out that the outside temperature that we can withstand is closely related to other factors, such as humidity. And is that when the environment is dry, the body can withstand high temperatures much better since sweating is a mechanism that helps us stay calm. On the contrary, when we are in environments with a lot of humidity, temperatures from 40ºC are unbearable.

Hyperthermia and hypothermia

If the human body is subjected to very high temperatures, we can suffer hyperthermia. In this case, symptoms such as syncope, heat exhaustion, sweating, dehydration, and partial vision loss occur.

On the contrary, hypothermia can occur when the body is subjected to shallow temperatures. Its main symptoms include tremors, breathing problems, and muscle contractions. In addition, a severe cooling of the tissues can occur due to temperatures below 0º, which would cause their freezing and necrosis. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we show in detail what to do in case of hypothermia.

The internal temperature of the human body

The human body’s internal temperature oscillates between a range of 36 and 37.5ºC. It is important to note that the human body tolerates temperature drops below that range much better. This is because cellular functions take place more slowly, but they can survive and recover again once the body temperature returns to normal.

However, when the human body is at a temperature above 43ºC, proteins lose their function and stop working, which could end up causing death. It has been ensured that the human body is capable of withstanding an internal temperature of 24º, but that from 43ºC, it would be impossible to survive. There may be exceptional cases in which the latter temperature rises to 46ºC.

Two opposite poles

In Antarctica, it is not surprising that temperatures easily reach -80ºC. Thanks to proper clothing, these minimums are bearable by the human body. On the other hand, in freezing water, death from hypothermia occurs after 10 or 15 minutes of immersion, depending on the strength of each individual.

In some deserts, on the other hand, the thermometer exceeds + 70ºC. In these regions, you can survive because the relative humidity is very low, so you can compensate for the loss of fluid by drinking what is necessary.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How much temperature the human body supports, we recommend that you enter our Well-being category.

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