Feeling cold in winter is normal, but if you feel more cold than others, your hands and feet are always cold or you start shivering even in the slightest breeze, then it is not just the effect of the weather. There can be many reasons behind this – physical, nutritional and lifestyle related. Let us know why some people feel more cold and easy ways to avoid it.
Why does it feel more cold?
1. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals
Vitamin B12 deficiency
This vitamin helps in making red blood cells and delivering oxygen. Due to its deficiency the body’s ability to generate heat reduces.
Vitamin D deficiency
Due to less sunlight in winter, Vitamin D decreases, which makes it difficult to keep the body temperature balanced.
iron deficiency
Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin, due to which oxygen supply decreases and the body is able to produce less heat.
2. Less body fat
People who are very underweight or have low body fat feel more cold because fat provides insulation to the body.
3. Thyroid problem
In hypothyroidism, metabolism slows down, due to which the body temperature falls and one feels more cold.
4. Weak blood circulation
If the blood flow is not proper, heat does not reach the hands and feet and they remain cold.
5. Dehydration
Due to lack of water it becomes difficult to control body temperature. People drink less water in winter, due to which this problem increases.
Ways to avoid extreme cold
1. Eat a balanced diet
Milk, curd, eggs and non-vegetarian foods for Vitamin B12.
Sunshine, egg yolks and fortified foods for Vitamin D.
Spinach, gram, jaggery and dates for iron.
Lemon, orange and amla for vitamin C.
2. Take advantage of the sunshine
Sit in the sun for 15-20 minutes every morning. It is the best source of Vitamin D and gives natural warmth to the body.
3. Eat hot foods
Ginger, cinnamon, jaggery, fenugreek and dry fruits keep the body warm in winter.
4. Drink enough water
Do not let there be shortage of water even in winter. Consume herbal tea and soup.
5. Wear the right clothes
Do layering so that body heat does not escape. Keep hands and feet covered as they get cold quickly.
6. Get regular checkups done
If you feel very cold, get your iron, vitamin B12 and thyroid levels checked.
Feeling excessively cold is not just an effect of weather, but can also be a sign of lack of nutrients in the body or health problems. You can avoid this problem with proper diet, sunlight, hot elements and timely checkup. To enjoy winter, it is important to strengthen yourself from within.
