Brrr! Feeling cold? It’s completely normal to catch a chill every now and then during the winter months, and there’s nothing wrong with being sensitive to or disliking cold weather. But if you find that you’re the person who’s always cold, especially if everyone else around you is comfortable, then you might take that as a warning sign there could be a problem with your health.
Before you panic, remember that everyone’s sense of cold is a little different. It might depend on your metabolic rate, your body composition, or even just personal preference. Research, such as a 2012 study published in Physiology & Behavior, shows that men tend to run a little warmer and women a little colder—the average preferred temperature for men is about 72 degrees Fahrenheit whereas women prefer it around 77 degrees. That’s completely normal, and it’s likely because men tend to have more body mass and faster metabolisms than women.
Still, frequent cold spells aren’t something you should disregard. They could signal something as simple as a nutrient deficiency, or they could be a sign of a much bigger health problem.
Here are just a few conditions that could be causing you to always feel cold:
Poor Circulation: Bad flow of blood could be attributed to any number of things (including a few afflictions listed later in this list), but one common cause is peripheral artery disease, sometimes called PAD. This condition is marked by a reduced flow of blood to your limbs, and when your extremities—that is, your arms and legs—don’t get enough blood, they won’t maintain body heat. You might often feel pain or a sense of tingling and numbness when you’re walking or putting pressure on your extremities. Doctors often see PAD develop in people who smoke or are diabetic.
Anemia: Anemia develops when a person’s diet is deficient in either iron or vitamin B12 and their body is unable to make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their body. In addition to feeling cold, people with anemia can find themselves feeling tired, weak, or short of breath. Great dietary sources of iron include red meat, lentils, and green leafy vegetables.
Diabetes: Diabetes can be another cause of poor circulation, resulting in a continual cold feeling. In the long term, diabetes could cause damage to your peripheral nervous system—pay attention if your feet feel cold but aren’t cold to the touch, as this is a warning sign. Diabetes can also cause waste to build up in your kidneys, so your blood is filtered inefficiently, which will lead to lower body temperature.
Underactive Thyroid: Your thyroid, a gland found at the base of your neck, is responsible for regulating your metabolism. But for people with an underactive thyroid, their body won’t produce the hormones they need. It’s not something you might notice right away—aside from weight gain and fatigue, there aren’t many telltale symptoms. However, frequently being cold could indicate your thyroid isn’t working the way it should.
Malnutrition: Your body needs energy to regulate its internal temperature. If a person is not getting enough calories, either because of an extremely restrictive diet or because of food insecurity, then they could find themselves feeling cold frequently.
What should you do? Pay attention to other symptoms you might be feeling and talk to your doctor or health care provider, as they will be the ones who can identify your specific condition. In some cases, all it takes is a few minor lifestyle changes and you could be feeling warm again before winter is over.
