Always Cold? 9 Simple Reasons Why You Might Be Freezing
Always Cold? 9 Simple Reasons Why You Might Be Freezing
Do you find yourself snuggling up to your partner for warmth at every opportunity? Do you wear thick socks even in the summer? Are you constantly catching colds? These aren’t just quirks of your body. There are serious reasons behind poor thermoregulation, and here are nine main ones.
1. You Need More Healthy Fats
Have you ever noticed how much you crave your favorite fatty foods in winter? There’s a reason for that. While fats have gotten a bad rap in recent years, you shouldn’t avoid them entirely. Choose the “right” fats found in avocados, nuts, and seeds. These healthy fats are essential for maintaining body heat and overall health.
2. Thyroid Issues
Your thyroid gland plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. If you’re constantly cold, it could be a symptom of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This slows down your metabolism, making it hard for your body to generate heat. Other symptoms include hair loss, dry skin, and general fatigue. Thyroid problems affect more than 12 percent of people, and about 60 percent of those with a thyroid condition are unaware of it.
3. Poor Circulation
If you feel like your body temperature is generally fine but your hands and feet are always cold, poor circulation might be the culprit. Proper blood circulation helps maintain warmth in your extremities. If it’s not functioning correctly, you might find yourself with icy hands and feet. Poor circulation can be caused by various factors, including cardiovascular diseases and smoking.
4. Low Body Weight
A lack of body fat means you don’t have the necessary insulation against the cold. Moreover, if you’re intentionally maintaining a low percentage of body fat, you might be slowing down your metabolism, leading to heat loss.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Water helps maintain your metabolism. It traps heat and releases it as needed. Remember, your body is mostly water. If you’re dehydrated, your body simply can’t function at its best.
6. Iron Deficiency
Iron helps your blood cells transport oxygen and deliver heat and nutrients to your extremities. Iron deficiency can also cause hypothyroidism. To combat this, add iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and broccoli to your diet.
7. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Red blood cells play a role in maintaining a stable body temperature, and vitamin B12 is essential for their production. If you’re not getting enough of this vitamin, your red blood cell count may be low. Fortunately, it’s easy to add more B12 to your diet. It’s found in eggs, dairy products, meat, chicken, and fish.
8. Need More Protein
When we digest food, a process called thermogenesis occurs, which raises body temperature. The more protein in your meal, the longer this process lasts. Make sure your diet includes plenty of yogurt, cheese, chicken, and fish.
9. Lack of Sleep
Fatigue is your body’s enemy. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your hypothalamus, which controls the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation, gets overworked. It might sound cliché, but getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall health.
For more information on health and wellness, visit Healthline.
