Are you always cold? Chills run through your body? What are the causes of this nervousness that does not go away? A lack ? Weight loss? Thyroid problems…
Chilliness corresponds to a sensitivity to cold or to a persistent feeling of cold even when the temperature is not particularly low. It is manifested by chillsa drop in body temperature and one extremity cooling (hands, feet). Depending on the causes, chilliness can be associated with other symptoms and can be temporary or chronic. “This feeling of cold can affect the whole body or very specific locations such as the hands and feet.” emphasizes Dr. Patrick Aubé, general practitioner.
1. An unbalanced diet responsible for deficiencies
Lifestyle has a strong influence on the regulation of body temperature. A unbalanced or insufficient diet with vitamin and mineral deficiencies impairs the functioning and oxygenation of the body, preventing the production of heat (thermogenesis). “Insufficient calorie food intake leads to both weight loss and therefore less body fat and greater vulnerability to cold. outside”, notes the general practitioner. Dehydration also tends to lower body temperature and cause a lingering feeling of cold.
2. A lack of iron
The excessive chilliness may be a symptom of anemia and of an important iron deficiency. “It is then accompanied by a state of permanent fatigue, pallor of the face, conjunctivae and shortness of breath on exertion”, says Dr. Aubé. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor. He may prescribe a blood test and a iron cure if the deficiency is confirmed via a ferritin level too low.
3. Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep is also a risk factor for chilliness. The accumulation of fatigue affects the activity of the hypothalamus, one of whose roles is to control thermoregulation.
4. Hypothyroidism
Persistent chilliness can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, but she is not isolated. “Patients with hypothyroidism have a slowing of general functioning with often chilliness and constant fatiguedifficulty concentrating, brittle hair and nails, of the cramps and tingling, sometimes hypercholesterolemia explain the ARC Foundation. “Chilliness can also be associated with a recent weight gain, drowsiness, dry skin, constipation“, adds the general practitioner. In this case, consult your doctor to prescribe (if he deems it necessary) a blood test to assess the level of thyroid hormones.
5. Raynaud’s Syndrome
Vasoconstriction disorder, Raynaud’s disease prevents blood flow to the extremities in response to the cold. “It is a feeling of coldness in the extremities (hands and feet) occurring when the outside temperature is falling or during episodes of stress.“, adds Dr. Aubé. In addition to the feeling of cold, the person has the white fingers, toes too…
6. Depression
Depressed people may complain of being cold all the time. “Endocrine disturbances are common, especially thyroid disorders resulting in excessive nervousness” explains Dr. Florian Ferreri in his book “Depression; 100 questions to understand and act”. Chilliness can also be linked to weight loss itself caused by appetite disorders encountered in depressed people.
7. Pregnant?
“During pregnancy, some future mothers complain of chilliness that they did not know before. This is a physiological modification of the biological rhythm and water exchanges between the tissues of the body”explains the general practitioner.
What are the causes of excessive chilliness?
Anemia, hypothyroidism, lack of sleep, poor hydration, vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes or even Lyme disease can lead to excessive chilliness. The causes remain to be determined with a doctor.
What treatments when you are always cold?
“There is no specific treatment for coldness. We must address its causes : give iron during anemia, correct hypothyroidism, treat fatigue, allow good sleep, eat properly and consult your doctor if this symptom persists”, recommends Dr. Aubé.
Excessive and persistent chilliness should lead to the consultation of a doctor to identify the causes. The treatment can combine specific measures (management of hypothyroidism) and prevention (protection against the cold, warm clothing). In the event of transient sensitivity to cold, modifying lifestyle and/or sleep may be sufficient to restore proper regulation of body temperature.
Thanks to Dr Patrick Aubé, general practitioner. author of the book “20 medicinal plants for daily treatment” published by LeducS.