You probably know someone who is constantly complaining that they're cold. It might be a friend, a family member or a co-worker. The rest of the room could be sweating in shorts and tank tops, but there's that one person who's always wrapped up in a sweater. It might even be you! If you're constantly shivering, even when you're wrapped up in several layers of clothing, it could be a sign that there's something else going on inside your body.
Here are six possible reasons why you might always feel cold:
1. Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid gland does not secrete enough thyroid hormone,
the result is hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormone is a vital part of all metabolic processes. Without it, your metabolism slows, which prevents your body from producing enough heat. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include always feeling cold, along with fatigue, weight gain and thinning hair. Visit a health care professional if you think you may be suffering from hypothyroidism.
2. Low Blood Pressure
In patients with low blood pressure, the blood vessels shift blood away from the extremities and direct it toward the vital organs. This can leave your finger and toes feeling cold. Symptoms of
low blood pressure or hypertension include dizziness, blurry vision, fatigue, nausea, weakness and confusion. Visit a health care professional if you think you may be suffering from hypertension.
3. Anemia
Anemia results from a lack of iron in your body. Hemoglobin is a compound that helps your red blood cells carry and bind oxygen through the bloodstream to all of your vital organs and cells. They key component of hemoglobin is iron. When your body doesn't have enough iron, this process suffers, and you may develop anemia. Symptoms of anemia include dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue and fainting. Add dark leafy greens, dried fruit, peas, beans and iron-fortified foods to your diet
to get more iron.
4. Stress And Anxiety
Stress combined with chronic sleep deprivation and anxiety can take a serious toll on the body. When your body goes into fight or flight mode, your adrenaline surges. This can cause your blood flow to be redirected to your larger organs instead of your extremities, which leads to cold hands and feet. It's vital to your health to
find ways to manage your stress. Start an exercise routine, take a walk in the park each day, take a bubble bath before bed or pick up a new hobby. Visit a health care professional if your stress and anxiety becomes overwhelming.
5. Raynaud's Syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome affects the ability of your arteries to carry blood away from your heart to your organs and extremities. If you're exposed to the cold and suffering from Raynaud's syndrome, your arteries may constrict and reduce blood flow to your extremities. People with this condition often report
being cold and having difficulty warming up. When blood flow is cut off, affected parts of the body may turn white or blue. The return of blood flow can be painful. The extremities turn red and may be accompanied by a burning sensation. Visit a health care professional if you think you may be suffering from Raynaud's Syndrome.
6. Dehydration
Water helps regulate your body temperature. If you're properly hydrated, the water in your body will trap heat and release it slowly. This keeps you at a comfortable body temperature.
If you aren't drinking enough water, your body becomes more sensitive to extreme temperatures, which may be responsible for your shivers. When your body has enough water, it also powers your metabolism which can help warm you up. Strive for eight glasses a day minimum!
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
American Thyroid Association
Mayo Clinic
Help Guide
Raynaud's
Health
