The human body is one of the most fascinating creations in the world. It’s so complex that despite continuous research, we still keep discovering new things about it. Here are 5 surprising facts about the human body that you never knew.
1. You Are Taller in the Morning
Do you know you are taller when you wake up in the morning? Yes, that’s true. During the day, the cartilage between your bones compresses due to gravity, causing you to lose height. When you sleep, this compression is reversed, and your spine elongates. This is why you see a noticeable difference between your height in the morning and at night.
2. Your Saliva Contains a Painkiller
The next time you smell something delicious, thank your saliva for sending out dopamine – a chemical that helps soothe pain and elevates your mood. As soon as you see, smell, or taste something pleasant, your body releases this chemical in your saliva, reducing pain and creating a pleasant sensation.
3. You Have More Than 5 Senses
The common belief is that humans have 5 senses – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. But, in reality, humans have more than 5 senses. Proprioception, the sense of knowing where your body parts are in relation to each other, allows you to walk, run, and dance seamlessly. Interoception, the sense of internal sensations like hunger, thirst, and pain, lets you know when you need to eat, drink, and take a break. There are, in fact, many more senses that you use without even realizing it, making you more aware of your surroundings.
4. Your Body Replaces Itself Every 7-15 Years
Your body is constantly healing itself and replacing old cells with new ones. It’s estimated that every 7-15 years, your body replaces nearly all of its cells, leaving you with a brand new body. This process of cell regeneration is most notable in the skin, where every 2-4 weeks, you shed old cells and replace them with new ones.
5. Your Brain Uses 20% of Your Body’s Energy
Your brain is the control center of your body, which is why it requires so much energy to function. Despite being only 2% of your body weight, the brain uses up to 20% of your body’s energy – that’s more than any other organ. Your brain uses this energy to process information, regulate your organs, and control your movements.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many surprising facts about the human body. From the way, your hair grows to the way your stomach digests food, every part of your body is unique and fascinating in its way. By gaining more knowledge about your body, you’ll appreciate it more and be better equipped to take care of it.
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