Do you always have cold hands and feet? Would you prefer to turn the heating up a few degrees? Don't worry:there is hope for the cold. An expert gives advice.
Ingrid Kuiper (GP):
'There are a lot of people who are always cold. Especially women turn out to be real cold-blooded. The complaints vary from only cold hands and feet to not being able to keep the whole body at the right temperature. If you're always cold, a medical condition could be the cause. It is wise to have this checked by a doctor.
The most well-known cause of cold is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The thyroid is the central engine of the body, the organ that regulates your metabolism and energy requirements. In addition to being cold, hypothyroidism also causes other complaints, such as constipation, mood swings, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin and a change in voice. The condition can be diagnosed with a blood test and can be treated well with medication.
Colds can also be the result of circulatory disorders, anemia and low blood pressure. In anemia (anaemia), there are too few circulating blood cells to transport enough energy. With poor circulation, your limbs especially feel colder. The 'central' blood circulation (to organs and brains) then has priority over the circulation to the arms and legs.
Very occasionally Raynaud's syndrome is the cause; a condition in which small blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes, contract strongly. This gives cold, purple hands. If no medical cause is found during a blood test, it is also possible that you are cold due to stress, fatigue, overload or nervousness.
If you get cold quickly, wear extra warm clothing, such as thermal underwear, gloves and good socks. Also, get plenty of physical activity. This way you can boost your internal 'motor' a bit.'
