Explore common causes for feeling perpetually cold during winter, from anemia and hypothyroidism to vitamin deficiencies and low body weight, and discover quick tips to stay warm.
Do you find yourself shivering when others are comfortable? Is winter your nemesis, making you feel colder than usual? If that’s the case, let’s explore some common reasons why you might be feeling perpetually chilly, and how to maybe, just maybe, change this.
We’re going to explore some of the key reasons you might be feeling colder than others during the winter months. Buckle up!
- Reasons for Feeling Cold Consistently in Winter
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Problems With Peripheral Artery Disease
- Diabetes
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
- Low Body Weight
Reasons for Feeling Cold Consistently in Winter
Feeling constantly cold could be a sign of an underlying health issue, so it’s important not to dismiss it and to consult a doctor. We always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
There are several reasons why you might be experiencing persistent coldness during winter more than others. We’re going to explore some of the major ones. Let’s jump in:
1. Anemia
People often suffer from anemia (iron deficiency), and when that’s the case, the body can’t produce enough warmth. This is mainly due to the lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. A deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, or other essential nutrients can cause this.
Experiencing iron deficiency can result in a variety of symptoms, including:
- Feeling cold.
- Fatigue.
- Pale skin.
- Irregular heartbeat.
2. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is crucial for regulating various bodily functions, which include maintaining body temperature.
When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of its hormones or when your body can’t utilize these hormones effectively, you might end up with hypothyroidism. We’ve noticed, um, that this can affect the production of heat in your body.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Persistent feeling of cold.
- Hair loss.
- Dry skin.
- Fatigue.
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Constipation.
- Weight gain.
3. Problems With Peripheral Artery Disease
If you frequently feel excessively cold in your extremities (like hands and feet), it could indicate a problem with peripheral artery disease, which restricts blood flow to those areas.
Conditions that cause peripheral artery disease include:
- Blood clots.
- Atherosclerosis, which causes narrowing of the arteries.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes the narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities upon exposure to cold temperatures, which, in turn, reduces blood flow and triggers a feeling of coldness.
When blood flow is impaired, several symptoms may arise, including:
- Persistent coldness and paleness in the skin.
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue.
- Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes can often lead to kidney damage, resulting in what’s known as diabetic nephropathy. In fact, we’ve noticed this happens a lot with people who’ve had diabetes for a while.
Common symptoms associated with diabetic nephropathy are:
- Feeling constantly cold.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Itching.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fluid retention.
- Swelling in the face, feet, and hands.
5. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that results in the individual experiencing numbness and, in some cases, a significant decrease in sensation.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary and include:
- Feeling cold.
- Significant reduction in appetite.
- Impaired blood circulation.
6. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
A deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals in the body can lead to you feeling colder during winter.
Some of the most important vitamins and minerals include:
- Vitamin B12.
- Iron.
- Niacin.
- Magnesium.
7. Low Body Weight
In many cases, a person with low body weight is more susceptible to cold because their body quickly depletes the fat that helps to insulate the body and the muscles involved in heat production during metabolic activities. That said, one of the most helpful changes, and a question we get a lot, is how many calories should one consume per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Low body weight can sometimes stem from underlying health issues such as thyroid related problems or eating disorders.
That said, we’ve got a hunch you’re not just here to find out the causes, but also some sneaky ways to stay warm and cozy when winter’s chill is biting, right?
Well, let’s dive into a few quick hacks that aren’t mentioned above: First off, layering is your new best friend; think thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a waterproof outer shell. Next up, warm drinks are a must. Hot cocoa, herbal teas, or even just warm water can work wonders. Make sure your diet’s on point too. Eating iron-rich foods can help keep your internal furnace stoked. Don’t underestimate the power of movement; a little exercise boosts circulation and warms you up from the inside out. Finally, consider investing in some heated blankets or clothing. These can be a game-changer when you just can’t seem to shake the cold!
Key takeaways
- Consistently feeling cold, especially during winter, could point to underlying health conditions like anemia, hypothyroidism, or peripheral artery disease.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially in vitamin B12, iron, niacin, and magnesium, can increase cold sensitivity.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial, as low body weight can lead to rapid depletion of fat stores needed for insulation and heat production.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is it normal to feel colder than others?
It depends. If you’re just a bit more sensitive to temperature, that’s one thing. But if you’re constantly freezing while others are comfortable, it could be a sign of a health issue that needs checking out.
Can stress make me feel colder?
Yep, stress can definitely mess with your body’s temperature regulation. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can constrict blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation and, you guessed it, feeling colder.
Does being thin make you feel colder?
Generally, yes. Body fat acts as insulation, so people with less body fat tend to feel the cold more intensely. That said, there are many other health conditions that might make you colder than you think
I exercise regularly, so why am I still cold?
While exercise boosts circulation and generates heat in the short term, it might not be enough to counteract underlying issues like anemia or hypothyroidism. Plus, if you have low body fat, you might still feel the cold more than others. A balanced approach, including diet and checking for underlying health conditions, is key.
Myth: Drinking alcohol warms you up.
While alcohol might give you a temporary feeling of warmth, it actually lowers your core body temperature. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, which brings warm blood to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer. However, this also causes you to lose heat more quickly, so it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re trying to stay warm for an extended period.
Testimonials
I used to feel freezing all the time, no matter how many layers I wore. Turns out, I had a vitamin B12 deficiency. Once I started taking supplements, I felt like a new person! It’s amazing how much of a difference something so simple can make.
For years, I thought I was just naturally cold. But after discussing it with my doctor, I found out I had a mild form of hypothyroidism. Starting medication has made a world of difference. I’m not shivering through summer anymore!
I’ve always been on the slimmer side, and I definitely feel the cold more than my friends. This article made me realize I need to focus on eating a balanced diet and maybe add a few extra layers during the winter months. It’s good to know there are things I can do to help myself feel warmer.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that extra blanket while everyone else is comfortable, remember it might be more than just a preference for cozying up. It could be your body signaling that something’s a little off. Don’t hesitate to chat with your healthcare provider—it’s all about staying informed and taking care of ourselves, right? We’ve found that often, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
