During cold days, the body naturally and efficiently maintains body temperature by reducing blood circulation, partially withdrawing the volume of blood inside the body, leading to colder arms and legs.
In this case, it is a good sign that your body is functioning well and properly.
Most often, this problem occurs in people who are poorly physically active, overweight, prone to hormonal disorders, anemia, or simply tired.
Poor circulation often accompanies middle-aged and older people and avid smokers.
However, if your hands and feet are constantly cold, this may indicate serious, hidden diseases that threaten the peripheral circulation.
Serious conditions that can be disturbed by impaired circulation are high blood pressure, heart problems, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis.
Stress can also cause cold hands and feet.
It boosts adrenaline, which in turn narrows blood vessels and weakens circulation, leaving the hands and feet cold.
If you often have cold hands and feet, and you are already used to it, it may be time to ask yourself if there is anything else behind this.
Namely, cold fingers are quite common, especially in women, and do not necessarily mean anything significant.
Cold feet and hands cause health problems
But this can be a sign of more serious health problems.
Low blood pressure
Low blood pressure occurs for a variety of reasons including dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, and endocrine disorders.
When blood pressure is low, blood vessels direct blood from the extremities to the vital organs, leaving the fingers cold.
If you have low blood pressure accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and weakness, be sure to tell your doctor.
Medications
Some medications can result in cold hands.
There are many drugs that constrict blood vessels, especially the arteries.
Some of these are beta-blockers prescribed for blood pressure, some cancer drugs, migraine drugs, and nasal drops.
Smoking
If you do not have a good enough reason to quit smoking, this is one of them.
Cigarette nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, leading to the formation of plaque on them, reducing the permeability and blood flow to the extremities.
Anemia
Cold fingers and toes often cause fatigue, headaches, and exhaustion.
If you also have these symptoms, it is time to check your blood count because you may be deficient in iron.
Iron is the main component of hemoglobin, a molecule that carries oxygen to the bloodstream and gives it a red color.
Cold limbs, therefore, can be a sign of anemia, or anemia.
Diabetes
Apart from the fact that your hands are often cold, sometimes you feel tingling in your hands and feet – these can be the first signs of diabetes.
The consequences can affect the blood count, but also the nervous system.
In addition to these symptoms, you can more often be thirsty, hungry and have a good appetite, do not gain weight or lose weight.
If so, check your blood sugar level.
Thyroid gland
Slowed work of the thyroid gland leads to a slowing of metabolism and is often accompanied by cold hands and feet.
Fatigue, laziness, frequent drowsiness, sluggish movement, and difficulty tolerating high temperatures are obvious signs of this disorder.
Stress
Stress can also cause cold hands and feet.
It boosts the adrenaline which in turn narrows the blood vessels and weakens the circulation, so the hands and feet are cold.
Circulation problems
Most people think that poor circulation is a major cause of cold hands and feet.
Poor circulation occurs when the flow of blood rich in oxygen and nutrients is reduced due to poor heart rate and other causes (clogged blood vessels with cholesterol).
When the blood does not flow through the body as you should feel cold in the hands and feet because they are farthest from the heart.
How against cold limbs?
If you experience any other symptoms besides cold hands and feet, consult your doctor.
Otherwise, you can try to cope with the reduced circulation yourself.
Massage is always an effective remedy, as well as the regular wearing of gloves and socks in the winter.
If it is easier for you to fall asleep, you can also wear socks during the summer. Another good tip is to put your hands down and shake them.
Thanks to the weight of the Earth, the blood will flow down and you will no longer feel cold.
In the long run, the best way to improve circulation is through proper nutrition and physical activity.
