WITH the weather looking decidedly autumnal, no doubt you’ve been feeling the chill.
The odd shiver is of course nothing to worry about – but if you’ve caught yourself feeling persistently cold, there could be something more going on.
Always feeling cold? It might be more than the weather affecting you[/caption]
Raynaud’s disease is where your blood stops flowing properly to your fingers and toes[/caption]
According to Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent, always feeling chilly – even when you’ve layered up – could be a sign of more serious health conditions.
From silent killer diabetes to anaemia or hypothyroidism, here’s what your constant shivering could mean and when you should see a doctor about them.
1. Raynaud’s disease
“It’s so cold, I can’t feel my toes” is a common expression used during the winter months,” Niamh says.
“However, for those suffering from Raynaud’s disease, not being able to feel their hands or toes during colder temperatures is a reality, making them feel numb and turning either white or blue.
“Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, restricting the blood flow to body parts, including the nose, nipples or lips,” the pharmacist explains.
The condition can be exacerbated by feeling cold, anxious or stressed.
One of the first telltale signs is your fingers and toes changing colour, turning lighter in colour, white or blue.
Your skin may turn red as blood flow returns.
You may also experience pain, numbness and pins and needles in your extremities.
Symptoms of Raynaud’s may last from a few minutes or up to a few hours.
The disease can sometimes be caused by another health condition, taking certain medicines, or working with vibrating tools for long periods of time, according to the NHS.
It advises you wrap up during cold weather, keep your home toasty and exercise regularly to help cope with symptoms.
2. Anaemia
Another cause of your chills could be anaemia.
Niamh says: “Anaemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs, meaning that your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood.
“Symptoms of this condition can sometimes include cold hands and feet, due to poor blood circulation, as well as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin and shortness of breath.”
You might also get heart palpitations or headaches , according to the NHS.
Type 2 diabetes can cause you to feel cold all the time[/caption]
“A common type of anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, which develops if you don’t get enough iron from food, or you have lost a lot of blood from an injury or illness,” Niamh adds.
You should see your GP if you think you have anaemia.
If iron deficiency is the cause, they might recommend iron tablets.
It’s also a good idea to load up on iron-rich foods, like leafy green veggies, fortified cereals and bread, meat and beans.
3. Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes is when blood sugar levels become too high, caused by your body not making enough or any of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin not working properly.
Over a long period of time, high blood sugar levels can damage different parts of your body – from your brain to your feet.
Niamh says: “Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the extremities that can make you feel cold all of the time.
“Additional symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, an increased need to pass urine more frequently, feeling tired and losing weight.”
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment if you develop symptoms of diabetes.
How to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, there are a few diet tweaks you can make to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes:
- Choose drinks without added sugar – skip out the sugar in your tea and coffee and stay away from fizzy and energy drinks
- Eat whole grains such as brown rice, wholewheat pasta, wholemeal flour, wholegrain bread and oats instead of refined carbs
- Cut down on red and processed meat like bacon, ham, sausages, pork, beef and lamb
- Eat plenty of fruit and veg – apples, grapes, berries, and green leafy veg such as spinach, kale, watercress, and rocket have been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Have unsweetened yoghurt and cheese
- Cut down on booze – and have a few days a week with none at all
- Have healthy snacks like unsweetened yoghurt, unsalted nuts, seeds and fruit and veg
- Eat healthy fats included in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil
- Cut down on salt
- Get your vitamins and minerals from food instead of tablets
4. Hypothyroidism
“An underactive thyroid, otherwise known as hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland, responsible for many functions including bone health, metabolism and growth of cells , doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones,” Niamh says.
“Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, leading to a drop in your overall temperature, leaving you to feel permanently cold and especially sensitive to cold surroundings.
“Additional symptoms can include constipation, depression and aching muscles.”
You may also struggle with fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and hair, or irregular periods, according to the NHS.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time.
You should see a GP if you think you have an underactive thyroid.
“Alternatively Superdrug high street clinics offer a Thyroid Screen Blood Test to check how your thyroid is working,” Niamh adds.
Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, leading to a drop in your overall temperature[/caption]
