5 Reasons Why Your Hands and Legs are Always Cold

General
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Many people find their hands and feet frosty 24/7, usually during the depths of winter. Why does this happen? Here are few key reasons;

1. Poor blood circulation - During cold weather, blood vessels shrink to keep up heat for vital organs (brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidney). This leads to the lowered blood circulation to hands and feet making them chill🥶.

2. Low body fat - Body fat usually acts as an insulator that helps keep us warm. Thus people who are lean may feel colder than normal people.

3. Anemia (low haemoglobin) - Low haemoglobin hinders oxygen supply to hands and feet making them cold.

4. Thyroid problems - Hypothyroidism is linked with lower metabolism and reduced heat production, causing increased sensitivity to cold.

5. Stress and anxiety - Stress hormones especially, adrenaline and noradernaline, cause blood vessels to constrict, which result in cold extremities.

Other reasons include - Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, dehydration, nerve related conditions and Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Simple tips to keep hands and feet warm

* Wear gloves and winter socks

* Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, brocoli, lentils, pumpkin seeds)

* Engage in physical activity

* Manage stress

What do you think are other causes of cold hands and legs? Share your views!

MBH/PS

4 Likes
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Sedentary habits like prolonged sitting and lack of movement also results in poor blood circulation in the limbs resulting to feel cold.

1 Like
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Yes, that absolutely right. Prolonged sitting reduces blood flow to the limbs, and regular movement or stretching can significantly improve circulation.

4

Cold feet and hands could be due to various causes. Identifying them is essential. Anemia can be a major reason for this. Precautions must be taken to avoid it.

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Good points shared. Other possible causes include low blood pressure, smoking (which constricts blood vessels), diabetes related nerve damage, and prolonged sedentary habits that reduce circulation, hormonal changes (especially in women), sleep deprivation, and prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments. Certain medications and chronic fatigue can also worsen cold extremities.

6

So, cold hands and feet can be an early symptom for disease like anemia or any vitamin deficiency in the body. Very informative post

7

Sedentary lifestyle is also the cause which can affect the circulation.

8

Very well explained! This is more common issue but we don’t pay much heed to it. Early diagnosis can help complications in future.