Common Causes of Cold Intolerance
“In the absence of any medical reason, some people do tend to feel colder than others most of the time,” she says. (Note that she says in the absence of any medical reason. That means this persistent feeling of cold isn’t tied to an underlying health condition.) So why does this happen? It could be due to lower muscle mass, according to Dr. Agarwal. “Some people have lower muscle mass relative to body surface area,” she says. “Muscles generate heat, and if you have lower muscle mass, the body tends to conserve heat by diverting blood flow away from the extremities.” This can cause your hands and feet—and maybe your entire body—to feel cold. And yes, some people are at higher risk of “running cold” than others: “Women and older people tend to have lower muscle mass, and these groups tend to ‘run cold,’” Dr. Agarwal says. When your circadian rhythm thinks it’s time to go to sleep, your body does a few things. Your brain releases melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, and your internal temperature will drop. “The circadian rhythm causes our body temperature to drop during sleep,” Dr. Agarwal says. “If you’re awake at a time that your body thinks you should be asleep…you’ll likely feel colder than usual.” In other words, you might feel colder during the day because you’re so tired that your body thinks it’s time to go to sleep. According to Dr. Agarwal, there are many different reasons why you might have poor circulation. Risk factors include smoking and obesity—as well as some underlying health conditions. And if you’re interested in improving your circulation, you can try to do some basic things—like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and refraining from smoking. You can also visit your doctor to find out whether your poor circulation is tied to another health condition. RELATED: 6 Ways to Keep Your House Warm and Cozy This Winter (Without Touching the Thermostat) Since vitamin B12 is easily accessible, most people in the U.S. do get enough of it. However some are at higher risk of experiencing vitamin B12 deficiency than others. Since vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, for instance, vegans and vegetarians may need to supplement their intake to make sure they’re getting enough of this important nutrient. Others may include adults over the age of 50, people with pernicious anemia, people who have recently undergone gastrointestinal surgery, and people with digestive disorders. Vitamin B12 Deficiency symptoms:
Fatigue Weakness Constipation Appetite loss Weight loss Megaloblastic anemia (which can cause you to feel cold) Feelings of cold, tingling, or numbness (especially in the hands or feet)
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of different health conditions, and it can also be the result of certain kinds of treatment (like surgery and radiation). You may be at higher risk of experiencing hypothyroidism if you’re a woman, over the age of 60, have experienced thyroid issues in the past, or have certain underlying health conditions (like type 1 diabetes or lupus). Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the result of your blood vessels becoming so narrow or blocked that they can’t carry blood from your heart to your other organs. This can be caused by fatty plaque building up in your arteries (a condition that has its own name: atherosclerosis). PAD typically affects the legs or the arms. And you may be at higher risk of experiencing it if you smoke, have high blood pressure, have diabetes, have high cholesterol, or are over the age of 60. Another condition linked to cold intolerance is Raynaud’s disease, a rare blood vessel disorder that typically affects the fingers and toes. If you have Raynaud’s disease, your blood vessels may constrict when you’re cold or stressed—causing a lack of circulation to certain parts of your body (like your fingers and toes). The scientific community is still working to understand what causes Raynaud’s disease, but they do know it can be caused by injuries, certain health conditions, and certain medications. You may be at higher risk of experiencing Raynaud’s disease if you’re a woman, over the age of 30, have a family history of the disease, or live in a place with a cold climate. “If you develop cold intolerance due to a medical condition, it will likely be accompanied by other symptoms,” Dr. Agarwal says. “However, it is always a good idea to seek advice from your doctor for any health concerns you may have.” If you’re looking for other ways to stay warm in the meantime, there are a few smart things you can do:
Exercise: Moving around can help you warm up in the moment. And since regular exercise can help you improve circulation, it might help you warm up in the long-run, too.Wear layers: You already know this, but wearing layers of warm clothing can help you warm up and stay insulated.Get enough sleep: Since sleep deficiency is a potential cause of cold intolerance, it’s worth it to make sure you’re getting your beauty rest each night.Eat a well-balanced diet: Since some nutrient deficiencies have been linked with cold intolerance, you may want to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.Cut back on tobacco: Both tobacco and smoking have been linked to blood vessel disorders. So cutting back your tobacco use may help you reduce your risk of experiencing one of those conditions, and it may also help you improve your circulation in general.
