Welcome back! Last week we talked about swollen feet and legs and the reasons this may be happening. If you missed that blog and would like to catch up, click HERE.
This week, we are going to talk about the age-old disagreement between office colleagues and household occupants. “It’s too cold in here” and “Did someone turn down the thermostat?” are statements you often hear at work and at home. So the question begs to be answered: Why are some people freezing at 70 * and others are too warm? I think I found some answers for us, so grab a Cup of Coffee and let’s chat…
Our bodies are amazing, aren’t they? We actually have a built-in thermostat. Our body is constantly looking to maintain homeostasis (that’s a big word meaning “the ability to maintain internal stability in an organism in response to the environmental changes. The internal temperature of the human body is the best example of homeostasis.“). In other words, our body wants to live.
Unfortunately, regulating body temperature is a tough job, and our body will often react to its environment in such a way that we find it uncomfortable. We get too cold, or too hot. Here are the most common reasons we can’t get warm:
Being Female
Women’s bodies direct more blood flow to our organs, which can leave our hands and feet colder because blood is being directed elsewhere.
Water
Water makes up 60% of your body. Water traps heat and then releases it slowly, helping keep your body warm. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your body is unable to properly regulate heat, leaving you feeling cold.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body fat insulates you from the cold, so the less you have, the more likely you will be feeling colder than those with a higher BMI.
Lack of Sleep
It is unclear why sleep deprivation causes one to feel cold, but this might be related to decreased function of the hypothalamus and other endocrine glands which result in lower metabolism.
Anemia
Anemia is a blood disorder that happens when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body, according to the American Society of Hematology (ASH). This can be the result of your body making too few red blood cells, destroying too many red blood cells, or losing too much blood for some reason, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Hypothyroidism
If a person’s thyroid hormone level is too low then their metabolism will slow, resulting in less heat generation and a person feeling colder.
Circulation and Blood Vessel Issues
Circulation problems that decrease blood flow to the hands and feet can cause those areas to feel cold.
Other Causes
There are many reasons one might feel cold when others do not, such as bacterial or viral infections, chronic illness, and exposure. If you are out in the snow or ice, for an extended period of time without proper protective clothing, you can become “hypothermic” and this can be a life-threatening event. If your body temperature drops below 96 degrees Fahrenheit, seek medical attention immediately.
So there you have it, Dear Reader. The next time you get cold and everyone around you is warm, you can refer them to this blog. Have a fantastic week, and we will meet here again next Wednesday to share another Cup of Coffee.
Editors note: This blog is not a replacement for sound medical advice, and many diseases, disorders, and syndromes have symptoms that overlap. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose you. That said, if you think this blog may be helpful to others, please hit the Facebook Icon and share it on your personal pages. Thank you for reading us, we really do appreciate you!
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