Some people complain of being cold more than others. That’s because each person's body reacts differently to cold temperatures. We call this cold intolerance.
Feeling cold all the time can be quite uncomfortable. It's like having a persistent chill that's hard to shake off, regardless of how many layers you wear or how warm the environment is. Your hands and feet might feel colder than other body parts, and you might even feel shivery. It can be frustrating because even when others around you feel comfortable, you still feel chilly. This constant coldness can affect your daily life, making it difficult to stay warm and comfortable.
Gender can affect how sensitive you are to feeling cold. Women often feel colder than men because their bodies naturally produce less heat. A study by The National Library of Medicine from 2015, also found that women might be less able to handle cold in their hands.
If you always feel cold, even whilst dressing warm, there could be an underlying reason. Keep reading to understand why you might feel cold all the time and find ways to feel more comfortable.
Reasons for constantly feeling cold
There are various reasons why you might always feel cold, and these causes can lead to certain symptoms. While some symptoms might seem insignificant, others could indicate a more serious underlying issue.
1. People with anaemia tend to feel cold
Anaemia, simply put, happens when you don't have sufficient healthy red blood cells. This can occur if:
- Your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells.
- Your body breaks down these cells.
- You have heavy bleeding.
Anaemia can be serious, particularly if it persists.
The most common type is iron deficiency anaemia, which arises when your body lacks the iron necessary to produce ample healthy red blood cells. Causes include:
- Poor nutrition
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Blood loss
- Pregnancy
The signs of anaemia can vary depending on what's causing it, but typically include things like tiredness, weakness and feeling cold in your hands and feet alongside other symptoms.
2. Is it possible you have hypothyroidism?
Your thyroid, a gland shaped like a butterfly located in your neck's base, controls your metabolism, which manages your body's chemical reactions. If this gland doesn't produce sufficient thyroid hormone, or if your body struggles to use it, you might develop hypothyroidism.
Aside from feeling cold, other hypothyroidism symptoms may include:
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
3. People with blood vessel issues can feel cold
If you experience cold sensations in your hands and feet, it could indicate a blood vessel problem where blood flow to your arms and legs is limited.
Blood vessel issues include conditions such as:
- Clotting disorders
- Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels)
- Raynaud's disease (arteries to fingers and toes narrowing due to spasms)
As well as feeling cold, symptoms of blood vessel problems may include:
- Fingers and toes turning white or blue
- Tingling, throbbing, or numbness in your arms and legs
- Skin feeling clammy and cold
4. Sometimes people with diabetes feel cold
The kidney damage occurring due to diabetes is termed as diabetic nephropathy. A symptom associated with diabetic nephropathy is a persistent sensation of coldness.
Diabetes can lead to problems with your kidneys and circulation, which can result in feeling cold. If left untreated, diabetes can also lead to nerve damage, particularly in your feet, causing a sensation of coldness.
Type 2 diabetes may present with less severe symptoms compared to type 1 diabetes, but it's more likely to cause a feeling of coldness.
Additional symptoms of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of wounds
5. Being underweight can make you feel cold
Being underweight signifies having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. Typically, a lower BMI suggests insufficient fat insulation in your body, resulting in decreased warmth retention.
Occasionally, being underweight is due to an underlying condition like hyperthyroidism, which may present with additional symptoms.
Being underweight can also result in:
- Weakened immune system
- Nutritional deficiencies
What can I do if I’m feeling cold all the time?
If you're constantly feeling cold, there are several things you can do to help you feel warmer:
Wear warmer clothes: One way to address feeling cold is to dress in layers and wear warm clothing. Try thermal underwear, knitted jumpers and socks. You can even try our Sumptuous Heated Blanket indoors to keep yourself nice and toasty.
Exercise: When you exercise, your body’s temperature increases and so does your blood circulation. It’s a healthy way to get warm!
Food matters: When you eat warm nutritious meals, it can really help to improve your body temperature. Try foods rich in healthy fats, and carbohydrates for energy.
Warm drinks: Tea and soups are a great way to get warm from the inside out. They’re also hydrating which is a double win!
Hot water bottle: Hot water bottles are a smart way to stay warm, plus as they are portable and lightweight, you can take them with you to work, use them in the car, or anywhere you fancy! Our Snugel Cocooning Hot Water Bottle is fantastic for warming your neck, shoulders, tummy area, or anywhere you like!
Check for Underlying Conditions: If you always feel cold despite taking these measures, it's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, or circulation problems.
Get Medical Advice: If your persistent coldness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms or significantly impacts your daily life, consult a doctor for further evaluation and guidance.
Snugel: Heat the human, not the home
By directing heat directly to where it's needed most—such as through wearable duvet-like heated gilet or portable heating devices—Snugel products ensure that individuals can stay comfortably warm without the need to heat an entire room or home. This approach not only conserves energy but also reduces heating costs, making it an environmentally friendly and budget-conscious option.
Snugel's heated apparel solutions are tailored to fit various lifestyles and needs, whether it's providing extra warmth during outdoor activities, easing the discomfort for individuals with circulation issues, or simply enhancing comfort during colder seasons.
With a focus on accessibility and affordability, Snugel aims to help individuals to stay warm and cosy without breaking the bank.
Shop our Snugel products here.
Please note: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website/platform.