14 Reasons Your Body Feels Cold

Feeling cold frequently, especially in your hands and feet, can be uncomfortable. But why does it happen? Here are ten common reasons your body may always feel chilly:

1. Cold Body Due to Anemia

If you often feel cold, anemia might be the reason. Anemia occurs when your blood lacks enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen throughout your body. This can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It also commonly leads to cold hands and feet. A doctor can diagnose the cause, suggest dietary changes, and, if necessary, recommend supplements or other treatments.

2. Cold Body Due to Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland, located in your neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This makes you highly sensitive to cold. Other possible symptoms include joint pain, constipation, dry skin, and weight gain. Signs may take years to appear. Causes can include other medical conditions or treatments. Doctors often prescribe synthetic hormones to replace what the body cannot produce.

3. Cold Body Due to Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's Phenomenon causes the blood vessels in your hands to overreact to cold or stress. During an attack, which can last minutes to an hour, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow. This leads to cold, numb fingers that may turn white or blue. When circulation returns, fingers may tingle or hurt. Medication can relieve symptoms and prevent tissue damage, while severe cases may require surgery.

4. Cold Body Due to Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can result from diabetes or high blood pressure. When kidneys are impaired, waste builds up in the body, lowering body temperature and causing other issues. Kidney disease is also linked to anemia, making you feel cold even in warm weather. Treating the kidney condition usually resolves the cold sensation.

5. Cold Body Due to Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can cause anemia, poor circulation, and kidney issues, all of which contribute to feeling cold. Diabetic nerve damage can also cause cold sensations. Managing blood sugar through lifestyle changes and medication helps alleviate this problem.

6. Cold Body Due to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD occurs when plaque narrows arteries, limiting blood flow to the legs and sometimes the hands. If one foot feels colder than the other, especially with pain, numbness, or weakness, it may indicate PAD. Lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, medication, or surgery may be recommended depending on severity.

Note: Peripheral artery disease affects arteries outside the heart and brain, such as in the hands and feet.

7. Cold Body Due to Anorexia

Anorexia is an eating disorder that drastically reduces calorie intake, causing dangerously low body weight. Excessive fat loss can make individuals feel cold most of the time, particularly in the hands and feet. This is a serious condition that requires medical attention.

8. Cold Body Due to Influenza

Influenza is caused by a virus that affects the entire body, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Infection can lead to fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and fatigue. The flu can be dangerous, especially for children and older adults. Annual vaccination is recommended for protection.

9. Cold Body Due to Peripheral Neuropathy

If you feel cold but your body isn’t actually cold, peripheral neuropathy may be the cause. It often starts in the toes and moves up the legs. This condition occurs when nerves are damaged by disease or medical conditions. Diabetes is a common cause, but infections, kidney or liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, and exposure to toxins can also lead to neuropathy.

10. Cold Body Due to Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, which in turn can make you feel cold. B12 is abundant in chicken, eggs, and fish, and some foods and cereals are fortified with it. Even with a B12-rich diet, some people may struggle to absorb enough due to medical conditions or medications.