While most people just put on an extra layer of clothing or turn up the heat a bit, some people experience the unpleasant experience of 'perpetual freezing' as the colder weather approaches. That constant feeling of cold is most often attributed to 'poor circulation', but the story does not end there, experts explain The Sun.
The average normal body temperature is 36,6 degrees Celsius, but this can vary by up to 0,5 degrees from person to person. As the day progresses, the temperature naturally changes - it peaks around 18pm and then drops in the early morning hours.
Professor and director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Center at Lancaster University, Adam Taylor, says different parts of our body have different temperatures. He explained that the rectum is the hottest part of the body at around 37°C, followed by the ears and then the mouth. Surprisingly, he says that the armpit is the coldest part of the body which is usually 35,9C.Prof. Taylor points out that there are other factors that affect our temperature and says there are several reasons why you're always cold.
If you're cold because the temperature dropped by 10 degrees Celsius in just one day - that's perfectly normal, but if you're shivering while everyone around you is comfortable - it could be an indicator of health problems. It's common for women to feel colder, which is partially due to psychology and a greater sensitivity to conditions that can contribute to the cold, says Dr. Holly Phillips. Make sure one of these reasons isn't to blame for your constant freezing.
You are too thin
Being underweight, more precisely when your BMI (body mass index) is 18.5 or lower can mean that you are automatically colder. When you are thin, you lack the appropriate level of body fat that would 'insulate' you from low temperatures. Likewise, in order to maintain such a low BMI, it means that you have either drastically reduced your food intake or are eating almost nothing. And when you skip calories, you slow down your metabolism, which means it doesn't produce enough body heat.
Hormonal disorder
Cold intolerance can be added to the long list of health problems we can thank that butterfly-like gland in the neck for.
"If you're always cold, it could mean you're suffering from hypothyroidism, which means your thyroid isn't secreting enough hormones," explains Dr. Phillips. And without the correct level of this hormone, your metabolism slows down, and prevents your body's 'engine' from producing a sufficient amount of heat. Other signs of this condition are: thinning hair, dry skin and weakness.
Anemia
Low iron levels are a common cause of chronic coldness. Iron is a key mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, which means bringing heat and nutrients to every cell. Without enough iron, red blood cells can't do their job effectively, and you feel cold and shivery.
Poor circulation
If your feet and hands are always icy, and the rest of your body is at a pleasant temperature, you have problems with blood flow, i.e. due to a certain problem, blood does not reach the extremities. Cardiovascular disease could be the reason for this - this indicates that the heart is not pumping your blood effectively or a blockage in the arteries is preventing blood from reaching your fingers. By the way, circulation is also badly affected by smoking.
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your nervous system and set back your brain's regulatory mechanisms, which affect body temperature. It is not yet completely clear why this happens, although research suggests that due to insufficient sleep, activity in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, decreases.
An early sign of diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a condition called peripheral nephropathy, which is a constant attack on the nerves that provide sensation in your arms and legs. When this develops, you may feel numbness and sometimes pain in your hands and feet, and since these nerves are also responsible for sending messages to your brain about temperature sensations, your hands and feet may also feel cold.
Diabetic nephropathy develops gradually, so you may be completely unaware of its existence. But if you suffer from diabetes, or have symptoms of the disease (the first three are usually frequent urination, feeling tired and increased thirst), visit a doctor.
Lack of vitamins
Chills can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12, which can be found in foods of animal origin and plays a major role in reducing the feeling of cold.
"The body needs vitamin B12 in order to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen through our system. And when you lack this vitamin, you can experience anemia, a reduced number of erythrocytes and finally - a cold - experts explain.
Bonus video:
