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Dear Dennis:
That mild achin' in your head you speak of is known, in not-so-scientific terms, as an "ice cream
headache" or "brain freeze." And while some like it cold--especially those of us who are just CRAZY
about ice cream--this headache is one reason why you shouldn't attack that pint of Ben 'n' Jerry's
too quickly. When you eat something cold that fast, the blood vessels in your mouth, neck and head
work to help keep you warm by contracting, or shrinking, a little so that less blood gets sent to
these body parts. That way, large amounts of heat won't leave your body. (If the flow of blood was
not held back in this manner then more heat would escape through the blood in your head and neck's
vessels and out from your skin's surface.) Just think of it as your body's special defense against
the cold, like what happens to you outdoors on a winter day. That's when freezing temperatures make
the blood vessels in your skin contract, making you look pale.
Along with temperature and blood pressure, the muscles in your head and neck are also very
sensitive to changes in the amounts of nutrients you take in. And this means that your body needs
to adjust to the sharp boost in blood sugar and insulin levels brought on by eating ice cream
quickly. So don't rush yourself and be sure to take extra time to savor and enjoy this sweet,
creamy treat. (And if you'll excuse me, all this talk about ice cream is making me head straight
for my freezer to get a nice, big scoop!)
Signed,
Wendell
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