SAEDNEWS: Feeling cold all the time may be a sign of an underlying health condition or a vitamin deficiency. In this article, we explore the 4 most common causes of persistent coldness and the best ways to manage and prevent it.
According to SAEDNEWS, Cold intolerance means you are more sensitive to cold temperatures than most people. Constantly feeling cold may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as anemia, hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), or poor circulation. You may also feel cold more easily if you are dehydrated, not getting enough sleep, or have a low body weight.
Anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, often causes cold intolerance. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight and may engage in extreme weight-loss behaviors, such as severe calorie restriction and excessive exercise. Weight loss and reduced muscle mass make them more sensitive to cold temperatures.
Other symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
Depression
Dry mouth
Dry, patchy, or yellowish skin
Fine body hair covering the skin (lanugo)
Poor memory
Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
Difficulty thinking or concentrating
What You Can Do:
Treatment for anorexia nervosa focuses on restoring and maintaining a healthy body weight. A healthcare provider can help you develop safe eating and exercise habits.
Some people with anorexia may require hospitalization or treatment at a specialized care facility. These programs provide structured meal plans and help reduce excessive physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy can also help build a healthier relationship with food and exercise.
Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves in your hands and feet and is a common complication of untreated high blood sugar (glucose).
Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. Because these nerves also send temperature signals to the brain, your hands and feet may feel unusually cold.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can also cause chills or shivering. People with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia if they take too much insulin or do not eat enough carbohydrates. Other symptoms of low blood sugar include blurred vision, confusion, and weakness.
What You Can Do:
Peripheral neuropathy develops gradually, so you may not notice it at first. If you have diabetes or experience symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive thirst, or frequent urination, see your healthcare provider.
Managing your blood sugar is the best way to help prevent peripheral neuropathy. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take your diabetes medications as prescribed.
If your blood sugar is low, consume 15 grams of carbohydrates, such as 4 ounces (120 mL) of fruit juice or 1 tablespoon of honey. Check your blood sugar again after 15 minutes. If it is still low, consume another 15 grams of carbohydrates and repeat the process until your blood sugar returns to a safe level. Contact your healthcare provider if you continue to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia.
If you just can't seem to warm up, it may be a sign that you need to drink more water. Water makes up more than two-thirds of your body weight and plays a key role in regulating body temperature.
When you're properly hydrated, water helps trap and gradually release heat, keeping your body temperature within a comfortable range. With less water in your body, you become more sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
Confusion
Dark-colored urine
Dizziness
Dry mouth and skin
Sweating and urinating less than usual
Fatigue
What You Can Do:
If you're dehydrated, replace lost fluids and electrolytes as soon as possible. Drinking water or sports drinks can help treat mild dehydration. In more severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.
You can help prevent dehydration by consuming 91–125 ounces (about 2.7–3.7 liters) of fluids each day. Fluids can come from water, fruits and vegetables, soups, juice, tea, and other beverages.
Your fluid needs may vary depending on your activity level, age, overall health, and body weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much water you should drink to stay properly hydrated.
Feeling cold all the time is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Approximately 5% of people in the United States have hypothyroidism. Without adequate thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down, reducing your body's ability to generate enough heat.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Dry hair and skin
Hair loss or thinning hair
Heavier or more irregular menstrual periods than usual
Unexplained weight gain
What You Can Do:
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with medication that replaces the thyroid hormone your body is not producing. Your healthcare provider will measure your thyroid hormone levels through a blood test and adjust your medication dosage as needed.
