It is normal to feel a little cold as the winter season approaches, but if you feel much colder than others, your hands and feet always remain like ice or you start shivering even in the slightest breeze, then it is not just the effect of the weather. This may be a sign of deficiency of some important nutrients in your body. According to experts, feeling extremely cold is often linked to the deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Let us know which vitamins are responsible and what are the measures to prevent it.
Deficiency of which vitamin causes more cold?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in making red blood cells and delivering oxygen in the body. Due to its deficiency, the body’s ability to generate heat reduces, due to which hands and feet remain cold. Its symptoms include jitteriness, fatigue, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.
Source: Milk, curd, cheese, eggs, fish, chicken. Its deficiency is common in vegetarian people, so supplements may have to be taken as per doctor’s advice.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D helps regulate body temperature and strengthen the immune system. Its deficiency is common due to less sunlight in winter.
Source: Sitting in the sun for 15-30 minutes daily, egg yolk, fortified milk, mushrooms, fish (salmon, sardines).
Vitamin C and E deficiency
Vitamin C increases energy and immunity. Its deficiency increases the possibility of cold and cough. Vitamin E helps in maintaining balanced body temperature.
Source: Lemon, orange, amla for Vitamin C, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds for Vitamin E.
iron deficiency
Iron helps in making hemoglobin. Due to its deficiency, the supply of oxygen decreases, due to which the metabolism slows down and the body is able to produce less heat.
Source: Spinach, gram, jaggery, dates, kidney beans. It is important to take Vitamin C along with iron so that the body can absorb it well.
Other reasons for feeling too cold
Hypothyroidism (thyroid deficiency): Thyroid hormone controls the body’s metabolism. Due to its deficiency it becomes difficult to maintain body temperature.
Source: Iodine and selenium rich foods like iodized salt, fish, curd, Brazil nuts.
prevention methods
eat a balanced diet
Dairy and non-vegetarian foods for Vitamin B12.
Sunshine and fortified foods for Vitamin D.
Green leafy vegetables and jaggery for iron.
Fruits and dry fruits for Vitamin C and E.
take advantage of the sunshine
Sit in the sun for 15-30 minutes every morning without sunscreen. It is the best source of Vitamin D.
Eat things with hot nature.
Things like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, jaggery, fenugreek increase natural heat in the body.
get regular checkups
If you feel very cold, get your iron, vitamin B12 and thyroid levels checked.
Feeling very cold in winter is not just an effect of weather but can be a sign of lack of nutrients in the body. You can avoid this problem with proper diet, sunlight and timely checkup. If the symptoms are serious, consult a doctor.
