Khaberni - Constantly feeling cold can be an indicator of various health problems, environmental factors, or a certain lifestyle. If you continuously suffer from this sensation, continue reading with us to find out the reasons for constantly feeling cold.
Reasons for Always Feeling Cold
There are various reasons for constantly feeling cold, here are some examples:
1. Anemia
Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to supply the body with the necessary oxygen, resulting in several symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a continuous cold feeling especially in the hands and feet.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the causes of constantly feeling cold. This deficiency occurs when you do not consume enough foods rich in it such as chicken, fish, and eggs, or because your body cannot absorb this vitamin from the food intake.
3. Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency anemia may affect body temperature, causing you to feel cold continuously even in summer.
4. Hypothyroidism
In cases of hypothyroidism, there is insufficient production of the hormones that regulate metabolism, which contributes to increased cold sensations, in addition to other symptoms like constipation, joint pain, and weight gain.
5. Raynaud's Disease
In Raynaud's Disease, the blood vessels in the hands react excessively to cold or emotional stress. During an attack, which lasts from several minutes to an hour, these vessels constrict, limiting blood flow, causing the extremities in the feet and hands to feel cold, and potentially turn white or blue. Once blood flow returns, the affected person might feel tingling or even pain.
6. Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries narrow due to fatty deposit accumulation, blocking blood flow to the legs and sometimes arms. If one leg feels notably colder than the other, especially if accompanied with pain, numbness or weakness, it could be a sign of this disease.
7. Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which individuals have an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to extreme thinness and lack of body fat, which creates a permanent cold feeling, particularly in the hands and feet.
8. Dehydration
Not taking in enough water can affect the body's ability to maintain its temperature, continuing the feeling of coldness.
9. Medications
Sometimes, constantly feeling cold can occur as a side effect of certain medications, such as beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related issues.
10. Kidney Disease
Generally, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease. Inefficient kidney function fails to adequately purify the blood of toxins, which can lead to a lower body temperature and other health issues, and it is often associated with anemia, which might make a person feel cold even in warm weather.
When to Consult a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor when the following symptoms accompany the continuous feeling of cold:
- Numbness in hands or feet.
- Severe fatigue.
- Unusual weight loss.
Treating Constant Cold Sensations
The treatment for continuous cold sensations depends on the underlying cause of this health issue. For example, taking dietary supplements to compensate for deficiencies causing the persistent cold feeling, and taking prescribed medications to treat the health issues causing it. Below are some tips to help reduce the feeling of cold:
