Brenda Khan
A person's diet can be a contributing factor to feeling colder. A low-calorie diet can lead to a decrease in body temperature as the body compensates by lowering its temperature to save energy. Intermittent fasting and calorie restriction may also lead to lower body temperatures and increased sensitivity to cold due to changes in metabolism and blood sugar levels. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, can impact the body's ability to regulate temperature. Other factors, such as body size, medical conditions like hypothyroidism, and natural tendencies, also play a role in temperature sensitivity. While feeling cold can be harmless, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition.
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What You'll Learn
Calorie restriction and metabolism
Calorie restriction (CR) is the most potent non-pharmacological intervention for improving metabolic health. CR induces a reduction in energy expenditure that is larger than the loss of metabolic mass. This reduction in metabolic rate, defined as metabolic adaptation, reduces oxidative damage and delays age-associated declines in physiological function. CR also reduces the levels of the gene encoding platelet-activating factor acetyl hydrolase (PLA2G7), which is associated with health benefits such as lowering age-related inflammation and improving metabolic health.
CR has been shown to improve immunity and increase T-cell production, which is associated with an improved ability to burn stores of fatty acids for energy. This is important because if these fuels are not burned, fat may build up in organs such as muscles and the liver, leading to insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and aging.
CR also induces changes in fat-free mass composition, which explains part of the metabolic adaptation. Insulin secretion, thyroid hormones, and leptin are associated with metabolic adaptation. Changes in physical activity may also play a role in preventing weight regain.
CR may also lead to a slower metabolism to compensate for decreased energy intake. This is supported by studies that show that long-term CR with adequate nutrition is associated with a lower body temperature in both lean and overweight adults. As a result of the lower calorie intake, the body compensates by lowering its temperature to save energy.
In summary, CR can lead to a slower metabolism and lower body temperature as the body adapts to reduced energy intake. This effect is more pronounced with more restrictive and long-term diets.
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Low body mass index (BMI)
A low body mass index (BMI) means you have low body fat. Fat provides insulation for your body, and muscles generate heat, helping keep you warm. With a low BMI, you might not have enough fat and muscle to keep you warm, making you more likely to feel cold.
BMI is a medical screening tool that measures the ratio of your height to your weight to estimate the amount of body fat you have. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. While BMI is a quick tool for healthcare providers to assess a person's estimated body fat amount and risk for certain health conditions, it has its limitations. For instance, it does not differentiate between lean body mass and fat mass, or account for the location or distribution of body fat. Additionally, it may not be accurate for certain individuals due to factors such as genetics, activity level, and other health conditions.
Having a low BMI, of less than 18.5, can also stop your body from working as it should. You may be prone to health problems such as a slower metabolism, which can lead to a decrease in body temperature. However, it is important to note that BMI is just a way to determine if you are at a healthy weight, and having a low BMI does not necessarily mean you will be underweight or prone to health issues.
If you feel cold all the time, it could also be a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can occur if you are not getting enough vitamin B12 from your diet or if your body cannot absorb enough nutrients. This is especially common in vegetarian diets, as plants do not contain vitamin B12. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and more.
If you are feeling colder than usual, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the cause and any necessary treatment. They may suggest increasing your vitamin B12 intake through supplements or diet, or they may recommend other nutrients or lifestyle changes to help regulate your body temperature.
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Vitamin B12 deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause you to feel cold a lot of the time. This is because vitamin B12 is crucial for making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. A deficiency can lead to a lack of healthy red blood cells, resulting in low oxygen levels. This can leave you feeling cold, especially in your hands and feet.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal-based foods, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, and fish. It is also present in some fortified foods, such as cereals, plant milks, bread, and nutritional yeast. However, a vitamin B12 deficiency can occur if your body is unable to absorb the vitamin properly. This may be due to certain health conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other gut illnesses. Weight loss surgery or other stomach surgeries can also affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
In addition, certain medications can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption or lower B12 levels. These include antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, peptic ulcer medications, and drugs used to treat diabetes. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to a vitamin B12 deficiency.
If you suspect you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Treatment for a vitamin B12 deficiency often involves dietary changes, such as adding more B12-rich foods to your diet or taking B12 supplements. In some cases, B12 injections may be recommended.
It is worth noting that feeling cold can also be related to other factors, such as a low body mass index (BMI), hypothyroidism, or certain blood vessel disorders. If you are concerned about feeling cold, it is always best to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Hypothyroidism
Feeling cold can be a natural tendency for some people. However, if you are feeling colder than usual, it could be due to an underlying medical condition. One such condition is hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial for regulating metabolism and body temperature. When the thyroid gland is underactive, the body's processes tend to slow down, including the metabolic rate and digestive function, leading to decreased heat production. As a result, individuals with hypothyroidism often experience increased cold sensitivity and may feel colder than others, even in moderate temperatures.
In addition to medical treatment, individuals with hypothyroidism can take several measures to cope with cold intolerance. Dressing warmly in layers, especially during colder months, is crucial. Keeping the head, hands, and feet warm is essential, as hypothyroidism can cause blood to be drawn away from these extremities to preserve heat. Adjusting the thermostat to a warmer temperature at home and in the workplace can also provide relief.
It is important to note that feeling cold may also be influenced by dietary choices. Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting can lead to lower body temperatures as the body compensates by lowering its temperature to conserve energy. Additionally, certain foods may affect body temperature, with spicy foods providing a warming sensation in the mouth but potentially causing a slight decrease in overall body temperature.
While hypothyroidism is a potential cause of feeling colder, it is important to consider other factors as well. For example, individuals with a low body mass index (BMI) tend to have lower body fat, which can result in reduced insulation and a greater sensitivity to cold temperatures. Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency, which is more common in vegetarian diets, can also contribute to feeling cold. Consulting a healthcare provider can help identify any nutrient deficiencies or underlying medical conditions that may be causing increased sensitivity to cold.
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Iron deficiency
People who are pregnant, have heavy menstrual periods, or follow vegetarian or vegan diets are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia. Additionally, infants and children may be at risk if they do not consume enough iron through breast milk, formula, or a varied diet. To prevent iron deficiency, it is recommended to include iron-rich foods in the diet, such as meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, iron-fortified foods, beans, and tofu.
If you suspect you have iron deficiency anaemia, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. They may recommend dietary changes, iron supplements, or infusions to correct the condition. Feeling colder than usual may be a symptom of iron deficiency, as a lack of sufficient healthy red blood cells can result in a decreased ability to transport oxygen to all areas of the body, potentially affecting body temperature regulation.
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Frequently asked questions
Feeling cold after eating is usually harmless, but it can also be a symptom of an undiagnosed medical condition. Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting may lead to changes in your body temperature after eating. They may cause low blood sugar levels and a slower metabolism to compensate for the decreased energy intake.
If you are feeling cold all the time, it could be due to a medical condition that needs attention. Some common reasons include anemia, hypothyroidism, low body mass index (BMI), and vitamin B12 deficiency.
A low-calorie diet can be one cause of an increased sensation of coldness. When you eat less, your body has less energy to keep you warm. Calorie restriction can lead to a slower metabolism and lower body temperature.
Choosing high-temperature foods or those that generate heat, like peppers, can help increase your body temperature. Culinary and intuitive eating dietitian Tori Martinet recommends eating foods with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cardamom when you're feeling cold.
