Baby it’s cold outside, or is it me? Why am I always cold? 

What should I know?

Hey, are you always cold or feeling a slight chill in your bones? Do you live in layers of clothes, and still feel cold? Cold intolerance may be a symptom that is linked to an underlying health condition in your body that you may not be aware of. The human body has several complex systems that regulate your core temperature, and if they are not working properly  you might be feeling cold all the time - here’s  why:

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow down metabolism, leading to a feeling of coldness. The thyroid hormone (TSH) plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When was the last time you saw your primary care physician?
• Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can affect blood volume and circulation, potentially leading to a sensation of coldness. Staying hydrated is important for maintaining overall health and body temperature. Rule #5: Drink 8 cups of water every day.
• Certain Medications: Some medications, such as beta-blockers and antipsychotics, may affect blood flow and contribute to a feeling of coldness. 
• Malnutrition: Inadequate nutrition, especially insufficient calorie intake or a lack of essential nutrients, can affect the body's ability to generate heat and maintain a normal temperature. Talk to an RD or your health care provider to see if you are missing valuable minerals or vitamins.
• Low Body Weight or Low Body Fat: Individuals with lower body mass may feel colder because they have less insulation to retain heat. Both fat and muscle mass help keep your body warm. Adequate nutrition and a healthy body weight contribute to regulating a normal body temperature. Do you know your body fat- I love the Renpho smart scale. 
• Poor Circulation: Conditions that affect blood flow, such as Raynaud's disease or peripheral artery disease, can lead to poor circulation and a sensation of coldness, particularly in extremities.
• Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia or other types of anemia (low red blood cell count) reduce the amount of oxygen transported by the blood, leading to feelings of coldness. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to body tissues.
• Anxiety or Stress: Emotional factors like anxiety or stress can cause the body to divert blood flow away from extremities, leading to a feeling of coldness.
• Blood Sugar conditions: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and Peripheral neuropathy 

If you're consistently feeling cold and it's impacting your daily life, it's advisable to consult with a medical professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including assessing your medical history, conducting physical examinations, and ordering relevant tests to identify any underlying health issues. Addressing the root cause of the problem will help determine the appropriate course of action and potential interventions to improve your comfort and well-being. You might be chilly now but you don’t need to stay cold 🥶.

Xx

Kim