Surgeons call it double gloving – one latex glove over another for extra protection in difficult or potentially dangerous procedures. Though not for the same reasons, scientists have now discovered that ‚double socking‛ – wearing two layers of socks could change your life… here’s why. Red blood corpuscles transport oxygen to every cell and organ in your body. More corpuscles mean more available oxygen, which is the most essential ingredient for optimal functioning, thus resulting in better performance on a mental and physical level. Fewer erythrocytes (corpuscles) mean less oxygenation in the blood, which leads to a condition known as hypoxaemia. Although the body adapts to this insufficient supply of oxygen over time, it can’t possibly operate to its full potential. The normal lifespan of an erythrocyte is about 120 days, after which it undergoes natural haemolysis or breakdown. That haemolysis happens prematurely for damaged corpuscles â€? and that’s where the socks come in handy (or is it footy?) Most damage related haemolysis occurs in the soles of our feet â€? due to the pressures exerted by walking, standing and exercising (no other part of the body takes the sort of beating our soles do). According to researchers, not only does the dual sock layer decrease the pressure effects on the feet, but also provides a layer of insulation that maintains a higher temperature in our extremities, resulting in an increased blood flow, with lower vascular resistance and ultimately less damage to erythrocytes. It’s a simple equation – more socks, mean less damage to blood corpuscles and more available oxygen, resulting in greater performance overall. No ‚sole searching‛ required â€? just do it.

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