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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to bless me with recovery and health.
There I was, in the 1st month of 2014, typically super busy with work, but this time completely out of focus. The reason was my intolerance to cold, especially in my feet and head.
In the pre-diagnosis phase, I became naturally prone to reaching out for an extra layer to stay warm even during summer. I wondered why I felt so cold even when almost everyone else was comfortable.
Was I anemic, diabetic, sleep-deprived or was it something else? Let’s find out…
My notorious symptoms led to a heightened sense of uncertainty before the diagnosis. The entire challenging process was a part of the diagnostic odyssey.
Body weakness, weight loss, fever, and much intolerance to colds had become a part of life. The doctors decided on some general tests that included a variety of assessments to gauge the problem. Based on my blood and urine tests, ECG, and other physical examinations they decided to put me on medications for certain deficiencies. However, the situation made me vulnerable to creating further complications. I was overwhelmed by the waves of difficult psychological, and physical limitations.
Finally, after all the clinical evaluations, the pervasive sense of uncertainty was concluded, in 2016 and I got my diagnosis .
The diagnosis was that of a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome.
Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
My list of symptoms was endless and included hyperactivity of nerves, fasciculations, and cramps. Fatigue, muscle loss, weakness, and sharp pain in the body were common. Among others, it became challenging for doctors when any additional symptom was built on to complicate the treatment.
Possible Reasons Why I Felt Cold
1) Diabetes
It is a condition where the body has trouble regulating sugar levels. Also, it may cause excess peeing, thirst, and weight loss. A complication of diabetes is feeling cold due to peripheral neuropathy. In peripheral neuropathy the nerves are damaged, most commonly in the feet and hands.
I had medicine-induced diabetes however over time with corrections in lifestyle and food patterns, and a reduction in medicines, my diabetes became manageable.
2) Anemia
Anemia is a condition where the body is deficient in red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for removing carbon dioxide and carrying oxygen. In this case, feeling cold is natural as the body lacks enough oxygen.
I wasn’t deficient much in red blood cells.
3) Certain Medications
I was on a long-term prescription with therapies that were known to cause cold sensitivity including beta-blockers, immunosuppressants, and plasmapheresis.
4) Underactive Thyroid
Underactive thyroid is also called hypothyroidism. It is a condition when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones.
Hypothyroidism slows the metabolism process and deregulates body temperature and heart rate. It could also cause fatigue, and weight loss, and make one feel cold.
I was fortunate to be tested negative for thyroid.
5) Poor Blood Circulation
Poor circulation can lead to cold sensations.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a known condition associated with hand and foot coldness. Raynaud’s is known to narrow blood vessels when exposed to cold and stress. A decrease in blood flow results in muscle weakness and temperature fluctuations.
Even polymyositis is known to cause Raynayd’s phenomenon. I was informed that my poor blood circulation was also resulting in coldness in my feet.
6) Poor Weight
Adequate weight and body fat can act as an insulator and help maintain body temperature.
Due to my rare and chronic ailments, there was a loss of body fat and weight.
7) Other Factors
I was nutrient deficient. My iron, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were lower. These nutrients are also known to disturb body temperature.
Seeking Solutions
Here are some practical lifestyle changes that helped improve my body temperature:
1) Eating Warm Foods
- I was advised to include fruits like apples and mangoes.
- Kitchen foods like garlic, black pepper, onion, ginger, and some common spices.
- Root vegetables
- Walnuts and Cashews
2) Additional Clothing
I put on an extra layer of clothes to trap body heat and stay warm. Especially covering my head and feet area was helpful.
3) Staying Active
Staying active can increase blood flow and help the body to feel warmer. I tried walking and specific exercises to build warmth.
4) Yoga and Pranayama
Pranayama techniques cultivate inner heat and get the inner space heater buzzing. Among others, Anuloma Viloma Ujjayi, and Kapalabhati were powerful practices.
I realized that regular exercise offers several benefits for warmth and blood circulation. Regular exercises accompanied by lifestyle changes improved my heart, lungs, and blood vessels. I felt my energy levels improve along with my body warmth. My routine activities included walking, playing table tennis, and being active. I was asked to keep a close watch and optimize my Thyroid health for energy metabolism. I prioritized my sleep, included selenium-rich foods, and reduced processed foods and sugar.
Embracing Warmth
It is important to seek professional medical advice to discuss specific symptoms.
These professionals can offer accurate guidance based on an individual’s unique situation. Timely intervention and early detection can be great tools to manage health conditions. Both self-care and self-advocacy can go a long way in addressing health concerns.
Conclusion
Feeling constantly cold can be extremely challenging.
Reflecting on my journey involves understanding the causes and exploring ways to address them. The possible causes of constant coldness can be anemia, poor blood circulation, an underactive thyroid, and low body weight.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to address the problem of feeling constant cold. Also, ensuring a balanced diet, wearing warm clothes, exercising, and certain lifestyle changes.
I take this opportunity to share my insights and connect with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can be incredibly supportive and powerful.
Therefore, please share how have you been managing this feeling so far.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
