You’re too thin
Low body weight (BMI lower than 18.5) can cause you to suffer from the cold for a number of reasons. First, your body lacks the layer of fat that protects it from low temperatures. The second reason is that in order to keep your BMI so low you probably also do not eat enough, which causes a slowdown in metabolism – and the fact that the body does not produce enough heat. For this reason it is advisable to add a few pounds to your weight, by adding healthy foods, which contain high amounts of protein, fat and complex carbohydrates.
2. You suffer from hypothyroidism
Constant sensitivity to cold is one of the signs of hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. In this state the metabolism is slowed down, which prevents the body from producing enough heat. Other signs that can indicate hypothyroidism are thinning hair, dry skin and fatigue.
3. You do not get enough iron
Low iron levels are one of the major causes of chronic cold. The reason: Iron is the mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen in the body, as well as other nutrients, to every cell and compartment in the body to create energy. When there is an iron deficiency, the red blood cells cannot do their job effectively, causing a feeling of cold.
4. Your blood circulation is slow
If your hands and feet are always “frozen” but the rest of the body feels comfortable, this is probably a problem that prevents blood from flowing to the edges of the body. This may be a sign of a cardiovascular problem, in which the heart is not functioning properly and is not pumping blood well or there may be a blockage in one of the arteries preventing the blood from reaching the fingers and toes. Smoking can also cause circulatory problems, as cigarettes cause the blood vessels to constrict.
5. You do not get enough sleep
Inadequate sleep can cause a disruption in the activity of the nervous system and damage to the mechanism in the brain which affects the body temperature. The reason for this is unclear, and studies have shown that it is the body’s response to stress caused by lack of sleep, which leads to a decrease in the activity of the hypothalamus, the area in the brain that regulates temperature.
6. You are dehydrated
More than 60% of an adult’s body is made up of water, and water is what helps regulate body temperature. When you drink enough the water will “store” the heat and release it slowly, thus maintaining a pleasant body temperature. When you drink too little, your body is more sensitive to extreme temperatures. The water helps to maintain the temperature in another way: they help to start the metabolism, which as mentioned also affects the body temperature.
7. You are not consuming enough vitamin B12
The vitamin, found in animal foods only, plays a key role in preventing chills. The reason: the body needs it to produce red blood cells, which as mentioned carry the oxygen from place to place in the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, a low red blood cell count – and a chronic feeling of cold.
8. You are a woman
If you also have quarrels between the sexes over the temperature of the air conditioner – you will know that there is a reason for this. The female body is built so that it stores heat in the most important organs, such as the brain and heart. For this reason the female body pumps less blood to less vital organs, such as the hands and feet – which makes them colder, sometimes even regularly. A study conducted on the subject also found that although women’s body temperature is higher – the temperature of their hands and feet is several tenths of a degree lower.
9. You have diabetes
Unbalanced diabetes can lead to a medical condition called diabetic neuropathy, an injury to the nerve endings. When this condition develops, there may be a problem with the sensation of the hands and feet. And since these are the major organs responsible for informing the brain about the temperature, they may be cold. It is important to know that diabetic neuropathy develops slowly, so you may be suffering from it but do not know. Therefore, if you have diabetes or suffer from symptoms of diabetes – it is important that you see a doctor.
10. You need to increase muscle mass
Muscles help maintain body temperature by producing heat. Therefore, if you do not have enough muscle mass – you will probably feel cold all the time. In addition, greater muscle mass stimulates the metabolism in the body, which reduces the feeling of cold. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise muscle-building, and not just aerobic exercise.