Probably every one of us has experienced a condition where he came in from the outside and his feet and hands were cramped or completely frozen. However, some people suffer from cold extremities all the time and practically regardless of the weather. What causes cold hands and feet?

The body is intelligent

The human body usually works like a well-oiled machine. So it works to maintain its core temperature with the help of blood vessels. The arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and the veins bring back oxygenated blood. It’s the blood that gives the body heat. The moment your external temperature drops, the body sends blood to the organs to maintain vital functions. This reduces the flow to the extremities. But your extremities can be cold for other reasons.

A cold environment

Of course, the reason for cold extremities can be due to a cold environment. The right clothing will keep you warm. Wear good quality thermal underwear, thick socks and gloves if you’re outdoors. At home, wear slippers on your feet and don’t be afraid to use a sweater. Alternatively, heat up a thermophore and make yourself a hot drink. A blanket can also help. Doesn’t that help? Then it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about other causes.

Poor circulation

Your blood may not be flowing as it should. Then you may have cold extremities, pale skin, muscle weakness or tingling. Poor circulation is usually related to heart disease or high blood pressure or obesity. However, there are ways to improve blood circulation. It is a good idea to keep your legs elevated or be active. The ideal is to exercise 150 minutes a day. Drinking enough and eating right can also help.

━━ ( Source: Alexandra Zelena /  Unsplash+ )

Vitamin B12

The formation of red blood cells is practically dependent on vitamin B12. If you have low levels of this vitamin, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells and sometimes this leads to anemia. Less oxygen-rich blood then reaches the extremities and the blood vessels constrict. This leads to a feeling of cold. The vitamin can be supplemented through diet or supplements. For example, meat, fish or dairy products contain it. It is also found in fortified cereals or nutritional yeast.

Raynaud’s syndrome

Raynaud’s disease can also be behind cold extremities. This causes , that some areas of the body cold in response to low temperatures, but also to stress. In Raynaud’s disease, smaller blood vessels narrow and this restricts blood flow to the affected areas. Women are more susceptible to the syndrome than men and it is more common in people who live in colder environments. Treatment depends on the degree of severity. If you have a history of severe Raynaud’s disease and have cold extremities, it is a good idea to see a doctor.

Other health problems

Cold hands and feet can also be a symptom of other medical conditions. These can be the anaemia we have discussed, but also peripheral artery disease or diabetes. Hypothyroidism or Buerger’s disease may also be to blame. Do you have any symptoms? Then it is best to consult a doctor to find out the cause.