What causes cold hands and feet?

The condition isn't always caused by low temperatures. It can also be caused by circulation problems, stress, and anxiety, or even hypothyroidism.

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natural remedies for cold hands and feet

First of all let's talk about a disorder, and not of a real disease, unless there's a circulation problem: so let's not waste money and time on unnecessary medications. But certainly, cold hands and feet, with the drop in temperature, can cause a lot of discomfort. And they can even affect your mood.

Furthermore, there are people who suffer from this disorder even though they cover themselves well, for example with gloves and with heavy socks, and perhaps when the air is still warm. So, the first thing to do is understand what could be the causes which cause freezing hands and feet. You may find, and this is quite common, that it's all because you don't move much, too little.

Cause

There are several factors that can determine the sensation of cold hands and feet, starting from the circulatory problems. Our body narrows the blood vessels in the cold and this causes the blood to concentrate more around the vital organs, sacrificing Skin, the organ that more than any other is affected by the harsh winter climate. Those who suffer from this disorder are above all womenThe problem could also be due to hormonal issues.

  • Anxiety and stress

Do you have a stressful lifestyle? If so, know that anxiety and stress They can affect the breathing rate by causing hyperventilation and an accelerated heartbeat, thus affecting circulation and blood flow to the extremities of the body.

  • Blood circulation

If blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet) is reduced, it can cause a feeling of cold. This can occur in conditions such as Raynaud's syndrome, where blood vessels temporarily constrict in response to cold or stress.

  • Low body temperature

When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, blood circulation can concentrate on the vital organs (heart, brain, lungs), limiting flow to the hands and feet to maintain warmth.

  • Smoke

Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of red blood cells transported by the blood, increasing the supply of carbon dioxide. This also causes cold hands and feet. The only solution here is quit smoking.

  • Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle also leads to cold hands and feet. The reason is simple: it impairs blood circulation, which particularly damages the outermost parts of the body. The solution here is really simple: all you need to do is get into the good habit of walking. walk daily, even if the outside temperatures are low.

Diseases that can cause cold hands and feet

Some illnesses, among other side effects, also cause the discomfort of cold hands and feet. These are the most common.

  • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid activity can reduce the body's ability to maintain optimal body temperature, leading to cold hands and feet.
  • Anemia: A lack of red blood cells can reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen, causing a feeling of cold.
  • Diabetes: can damage peripheral nerves (neuropathy), reducing sensation and circulation in the hands and feet.
  • Vascular diseases: Some vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which narrow or block blood vessels, can impede proper blood circulation and cause cold extremities.

Remedies

Whatever the cause of your problem, here are some simple natural remedies to warm hands and feet if the disturbance is not due to a serious problem but only to a mild and temporary annoyance:

  • You know that ginger Is it a spice with warming properties? It's up to you whether to use it as a condiment or to use it in the preparation of a good herbal tea With a warming and relaxing effect, to prepare it, simply grate or chop a slice of its root and steep it in a liter of boiling water for at least fifteen minutes.
  • The fresh chili pepper It is among the spices most capable of stimulating circulation and warming the body.
  • Not to be underestimated either a daily massage especially of legs and feet to be carried out using a special brush.
  • A very simple remedy to improve circulation consists inalternate jets of hot and cold water during the shower.
  • Remember to cover your hands and feet well wearing heavy gloves and up to two pairs of socks if necessary.
  • Warm and layered clothing, Made of natural materials like wool or winter cotton, it provides excellent insulation from the cold. It also helps maintain a constant body temperature, and in the event of sudden changes from cold to hot, the amount of coverage provided by various garments can be reduced.
  • Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, considering that stress can be one of the causes of cold hands and feet.
  • Finally, do a bit of exercise in the open air And if you have a sedentary job that forces you to sit for too long, get up every now and then and take a short walk to reactivate your circulation.

Prevention

To avoid ending up with cold hands and feet, all you need to do is take a little preventive action, which also helps keep your body in shape in low temperatures.

  • Wear appropriate clothing:also with gloves and a hat, when necessary. Or with insulated shoes and boots, which help keep your feet warm.
  • Avoid staying in the same position for too long, especially sitting or standing still, as this can reduce blood flow to your hands and feet.
  • Do exercises stretching or walk frequently to stimulate circulation.
  • Use the heating to the right temperature to keep the environment warm.
  • Prefer foods rich in iron and vitamins, drink plenty of water, including herbal teas. If your body is dehydrated in winter, you'll also experience cold hands and feet.
  • Avoid wearing too tight clothing: Clothes that are too tight can impede blood circulation.
  • Exercises for hands and feet: Make “pumping” movements with your hands and feet, such as clenching and unclenching your fists or wiggling your toes. These small movements can stimulate circulation.

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