Why Am I Always So Cold?

Let's set the scene: it's a mild autumn day. You’ve already shut all the windows and fiddled with the thermostat. There's no bone-chilling draft anywhere to be found, so how is it possible that you’re still so cold? 

You're likely so frustrated that you're asking "why am I so cold?" 

"Why am I so cold?" Like most symptoms, the constant sensation of being chilly is often an indicator of a larger issue at play. 

"Whether feeling cold is related to a specific body part or a general sense of disease, it’s important to look at the whole person," says Jeff Siegel, a Mind-Body Health Coach. Siegel explains there are three levels to check in order to make an assessment:

• The physiological level in case of a hormone imbalance
• The energetic level for blocked Qi or prana, which can be remedied by acupuncture or breathwork
• And the psychological level, which takes into account a person's mindset and emotions 

"Hopelessness or fear can lead to a collapsed posture and constriction of blood vessels that may promote feeling cold," adds Siegel. " Medical history can also play a role as certain drugs or therapies could change one’s temperature of set-point."

RELATED: 12 Struggles Only People Who Are Always Cold Will Understand

What Else Can A Cold Intolerance Point To? 

1) Low body weight

Fat is the body's insulation, and with little of it, your body loses heat at a faster rate. That's why those struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (anorexia) usually complain of feeling cold. 

2) Poor circulation

Issues with the circulatory system are usually symptoms of other health problems such as obesity and diabetes. In the case of diabetes, low circulation can also cause nerve damage that results in a cold sensation in your feet. 

3) Complications of medications 

Medications like beta-blockers work by slowing down the heart, which can affect the blood supply to your hands and feet. 

4) Vitamin B-12 deficiency

If you constantly feel chilly, it may be a sign you're lacking in B12. The vitamin is responsible for keeping red blood cells healthy in order to move oxygen around your body. A lack of healthy red blood cells is commonly known as anemia, which ranges in severity. 

Other disorders and diseases that constant chills can point to include:

5) Hypothyroidism

Also known as an "underactive thyroid," the condition is a result of your thyroid gland not producing enough important hormones. 

6) Raynaud’s disease

This disease narrows the small arteries in the body, thus limiting blood flow to affected areas. Studies show women and those who live in colder regions are more prone to Raynaud's. 

7) Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

A person with PAD doesn't receive adequate blood flow to important parts of their body, primarily the legs and arms. The disease can also be a sign of fatty deposits buildup in the arteries. 

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Other factors play a role in body temperature regulation, such as body shape, pre-existing health problems, sex, and age.

A study shows that women are more prone to feeling cold than men are as a result of slower metabolic rates. This causes the body to produce less heat and, no surprise here, can make you feel cold. Estrogen may also lower body temperature, thus changing the way your body maintains heat during certain phases of menstrual cycles.

Please note that this article isn't meant to diagnose you; always confer with your doctor first. They will be able to properly assess any conditions you might have and supply treatments accordingly.

In the meantime, here are some tips to keep your body warm by Keya Murthy, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Ayurvedic Counselor:

• Avoid cold foods such as salads, juices, and other cold drinks.
• Eat food that perks up your metabolism, increases blood flow, and keeps you warm.
• Sip warm water, soup, or tea with honey to prevent feeling cold.   
• Use any, or a combination of, these spices when you cook. If you do not cook, then have these spices in the powdered form and sprinkle your food with them: black pepper, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Yoga for those with Vata and Kapha doshas can be part of the daily routine to increase the flow of Pitta to keep the body warm.
• Wear clothing that helps prevent loss of body heat such as woolen socks year-round, cotton, silk, or woolen scarves, caps, and ear covers. 

If you're still asking "why am I so cold"? after running through these possible solutions, then you may need to seek medical advice.

Murthy warns, "It is a serious problem when you are following all of the above recommendations and still have cold sweats, heart palpitation, constant fatigue, poor sleep, no desire to eat, converse or go outdoors, etc." If that is the case, please don't hesitate to reach out to a medical professional. 

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Yona Dervishi is a writer who is currently working at YourTango as an editorial intern. She covers topics pertaining to astrology, self-care, radical acceptance, news & entertainment.