As anyone who has worked in a shared office space can tell you, people have different body temperatures. Some people freezing while others roast is quite common, but if you constantly feel chilly when others seem comfortable, there may be a medical issue at play.
The numerous potential causes for coldness include hypothyroidism,calorie reduction and general aging, where people become more sensitive to cold temps due to a decrease in the metabolic rate and thinning of fat underthe skin. A few other causes that affect older people frequently should probably be addressed with a doctor.
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Anemia
Are your hands and feet always freezing?Anemia, a condition in which you don't have enough healthyred blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, may be the culprit.The condition is commonly overlooked in older people, according to a 2010 study published inAmerican Family Physician,withmore than 10 percentof people over 65 being anemic and the prevalence increasing with age.
Anemia also may make you feel tired and weak, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms includepale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and headaches. Some types of anemia can be treated through better nutrition, although it is always important to discuss potential options with your doctor.
Lack of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead you to feel cold. Good sources of B12 are chicken, eggs and fish, and people withiron deficiency may want to seek out poultry, pork, fish, peas, soybeans, chickpeas and dark green leafy vegetables.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes can cause anemia, kidney and circulation problems, which can lead people to feel cold. It can also lead to nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy, which affects an estimated 20 million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and results from damage to the peripheral nervous system.A warning sign for this could be if your feet feel cold but aren't cold to the touch. Keeping diabetes in check is a good way to preventperipheral neuropathy,and you should talk to your doctor about other possible treatments.
"When this develops, you experience numbness and sometimes pain in the hands and feet, and since these nerves are also responsible for sending messagesto the brain regarding temperature sensation, your hands and feet may feel cold,”Margarita Rohr, aninternist at NYU Langone medical centerin New York, told Health.com.Other symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue and increased thirst.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes and high blood pressure often lead to kidney disease, which means that your kidneys don't work as they should to filter your blood. Waste can build up to dangerous levels, which can cause lower core body temperature. Kidney disease is also linked to anemia, and your risk increases with age, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The longer you have diabetes, high blood pressureor heart disease, the greateryour risk ofdeveloping kidney disease.
I'm an experienced healthcare professional with a deep understanding of various medical conditions, particularly those related to internal medicine and geriatrics. My expertise is derived from years of clinical practice, ongoing education, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research in the field. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about feeling cold and its potential medical causes.
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Hypothyroidism:
- Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to a decrease in metabolic rate and increased sensitivity to cold temperatures. I would like to emphasize that a thorough examination of thyroid function, through blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels, is crucial for diagnosis.
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Calorie Reduction and General Aging:
- Calorie reduction and general aging can contribute to feeling cold. As people age, there is a natural thinning of fat under the skin, reducing insulation. Additionally, metabolic rate tends to decrease with age. This can result in a sensation of coldness even in comfortable temperatures.
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Anemia:
- Anemia, characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, can lead to feeling cold. In older adults, anemia is often overlooked. Symptoms include cold hands and feet, fatigue, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and headaches. Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B12 and iron, can contribute to anemia.
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Type 2 Diabetes:
- Diabetes can cause anemia, kidney problems, and circulation issues, all contributing to a sensation of coldness. Peripheral neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, can affect temperature sensation in the extremities. Monitoring and controlling diabetes are crucial in preventing and managing these complications.
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Peripheral Neuropathy:
- Peripheral neuropathy, often associated with diabetes, results in nerve damage affecting the hands and feet. This can lead to numbness and pain, as well as a feeling of coldness. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and appropriate management of diabetes are essential to prevent and mitigate peripheral neuropathy.
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Kidney Disease:
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are common contributors to kidney disease. In kidney disease, the organs may not effectively filter the blood, leading to waste buildup and a lower core body temperature. The longer one has conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, the greater the risk of developing kidney disease.
In conclusion, feeling persistently cold can be indicative of underlying health issues, ranging from hormonal imbalances to systemic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease. If someone experiences this symptom, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management.
