Cold hands and feet are common in winter. To avoid this, people wear gloves on their hands and feet. However, sometimes they also have no effect and the hands and feet become ice cold.
Generally people think that this is due to the cold weather, but in fact it is not. Excessively cold hands and feet can be a sign of many serious illnesses.
So today In work news We will talk about what causes cold hands and feet in winter. You will also learn that-
- What diseases are these signs of?
- What are the ways to avoid this?
Expert: Dr. Yogesh Shah, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore
Question: Some people's hands and feet get very cold in winter. Is this normal? Answer- Dr. Yogesh Shah states that it is not normal for a person's hands and feet to be colder than others in winter. There can be many reasons for this.
Question: What could be the cause of excessively cold hands and feet? Answer: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the leading cause of cold hands and feet. In this, the arteries that carry blood to the arms, legs, and abdomen become narrowed, causing blood circulation in the body to slow down. This happens when plaque or fat builds up inside these arteries.
Apart from this, deficiency of vitamin B12, B2, vitamin D and magnesium can also cause cold hands and feet.
Understand from the graphic below which diseases can cause very cold hands and feet.
Let us understand these points in detail given in the graphic.
Anemia Anemia is one of the causes of cold hands and feet in winter. Anemia is a blood related disease. In this, the body becomes deficient in iron and less hemoglobin is produced. Due to this, not enough oxygen reaches the hands and feet, which leads to excessive coldness.
Diabetes The blood vessels of diabetic patients begin to constrict. Due to which the blood circulation slows down in their body. Due to this the hands and feet also start getting cold.
Hypothyroidism This slows down the body's metabolism. This frees up less energy to regulate body temperature. This reason can also cause cold hands and feet.
Raynaud's syndrome Raynaud's syndrome is a condition in which the fingers and toes become cold and numb. This often happens due to cold or excessive stress.
Question: How can we protect our hands and feet from getting too cold in winter? Answer- Dr. Yogesh Shah says that if a person is experiencing cold hands and feet in winter, he should consult a doctor immediately without any delay. The doctor will do some tests to find out whether it is due to an illness or a nutrient deficiency in the body. Accordingly some changes in lifestyle and diet will be made.
Question: What types of mistakes should not be done to protect hands and feet from cold in winter? Answer- For this it is necessary to take care of some things. Understand this from the directions given below.
Protect hands and feet from cold It is necessary to keep hands and feet warm in winter. For this wear socks in hands and feet. If the sun comes out, be sure to sit in the sun for a while.
Massage hands and feet If your hands and feet are cold even after wearing gloves, massage them. It improves blood circulation. For this you can massage with coconut or mustard oil. Apart from this, rub both hands together 2-4 times a day.
Depression-Anxiety control do Taking less stress improves blood circulation in hands and feet. So, do yoga and meditation regularly. This reduces the risk of narrowing of blood vessels.
Don't smoke Smoking affects our blood circulation. So, do not smoke to maintain good blood circulation.
Question: If the hands and feet are very cold, what should be included in the diet? Answer- Our diet also plays an important role in protecting hands and feet from cold. So always eat healthy foods. Understand this from the graphic below-
Let us understand the points given in the graphic in detail.
Eat iron rich foods Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin. Deficiency of iron in the body can cause anemia. So, include iron rich foods like beans, green vegetables in your diet.
Don't get deficient in omega-3 fatty acids A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can slow blood circulation, leading to cold hands and feet. So, include omega-3 rich foods like flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts in your diet. It will improve blood circulation.
Complete vitamin B12 deficiency Deficiency of this vitamin can cause the condition of peripheral neuropathy. In this, hands and feet may become numb and cold. For vitamin B12, include dairy products such as eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese in your diet.
Vitamin D is very necessary for the body Vitamin D works to strengthen our bones. Also, it plays an important role in regulating calcium levels in the body. For this, consume foods rich in vitamin D. Also sit in the sun for some time.
Magnesium deficiency causes cold hands and feet Magnesium is a nutrient that helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps and slow blood circulation. So, include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts in your winter diet.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).