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Have you ever wondered if it would be possible to count your heartbeats? We're not talking about estimating your heart rate, but rather counting each beat individually. For many people this may seem impossible, but it is actually a skill that has to do with interoception . Interoception refers to the ability to perceive the internal state of the body , and is essential for maintaining homeostasis. It is a multidimensional process that can be measured, trained and of which we are more or less aware. Its role in the processing of internal signals, such as heartbeat, visceral changes, temperature modulations and fatigue, is reflected in the normal and pathological functioning of cognitive systems.
Woman with lungs simulating fire Lung fatigue metaphor. To understand this process, let's imagine that we are running a long-distance race. The body begins to feel fatigue and thirst, but thanks to interoception, the brain detects Phone Number Data these internal sensations and activates the necessary responses to regulate the body and meet its needs , such as increasing heart rate to supply more oxygen to the muscles and release hormones. to reduce thirst. Interoception Chart Interoception is a complex process that involves the integration of multiple sensory and nervous signals that inform the brain about the internal state of the body, thus allowing the regulation and adaptation of bodily functions based on the needs of the organism.
Additionally, interoception-based self-regulation strategies can decrease allostatic load and improve health and well-being in a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety, neurodegenerative disorders, eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure. depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Beyond this relationship with various health conditions, the possibility of self-regulation and management of allostatic load has a very significant impact on the ability to perform physical exercise . So much so, that we can find recent studies that talk about the bidirectional relationship between physical exercise and the perception of effort.
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