Cold hands and feet during the autumn-winter period are quite common, but unfortunately, many people experience this unpleasant cold sensation all year round. If your hands and feet tend to get cold easily, it may be due to poor blood circulation. Circulatory disorders can also cause dizziness, numbness in the hands and feet, memory problems, and even fainting.
Below, we take a closer look at why hands and feet get cold and what are the most effective solutions to improve circulation in the hands and feet.
What are the symptoms of cold hands and feet?
Cold hands and feet are often a symptom of circulatory disorders. In the case of poor circulation, blood does not flow to the hands and feet as efficiently as it should. This causes the extremities to feel cold, even when the surrounding temperature is normal.
Signs of circulatory disorders may include:
- Hands and feet feel cold, even when the room temperature is normal.
- Hands and feet turn pale, bluish, or even purplish.
- Cold hands and feet may cause tingling, numbness, and throbbing pain.
- Prickling sensations in the limbs.
Recommendations for improving and preventing poor circulation:
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid smoking.
- Stay physically active—move for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Manage stress effectively.
Why do hands and feet get cold in the autumn-winter period?
As the outside temperature drops, the blood vessels in the hands and feet constrict to limit heat loss. This is the body’s natural way of keeping vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, warm. As a result, blood circulation to the hands and feet decreases, leading to an unpleasant cold sensation. Therefore, improving blood circulation in the extremities is especially important during colder seasons.
What else causes cold hands and feet?
The most common cause of circulatory problems is a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged static postures, and lack of movement. Circulatory issues can also be caused by stress, excess weight, smoking, and sleep deprivation. With age, the risk of circulatory disorders increases significantly, as blood vessels narrow and become stiffer. This, in turn, leads to poorer blood flow, especially in the extremities.
Cold hands and feet can be caused by several factors, including:
- Atherosclerosis: Narrowing or hardening of blood vessels reduces blood flow to the hands and feet, leading to a sensation of cold.
- Hormonal changes: In women, menopause causes hormonal shifts that can affect circulation in the hands and feet.
- Age: As people age, blood vessels become stiffer, leading to poorer circulation in the extremities. Additionally, the number of surface blood vessels decreases.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as blood pressure drugs and statins, may cause blood vessel constriction, contributing to cold hands and feet.
- Certain diseases: Conditions like stress, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Raynaud’s syndrome can lead to cold hands and feet.
- Iron deficiency (anemia): When the body lacks sufficient iron, red blood cells cannot transport oxygen effectively. This can cause cold hands and feet, as oxygen is essential for normal tissue and organ function.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: This can cause neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and a cold sensation in the hands and feet.
- Slow metabolism: People with a slow metabolism generate less body heat, which can result in cold extremities. Various conditions, including hypothyroidism, can slow metabolism.
It is worth noting that cold hands and feet are common complaints among young and otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, improving circulation in the extremities is an important topic for people of all ages.
When should you see a doctor?
If cold hands and feet are accompanied by additional symptoms such as changes in skin color, pain, slow-healing cuts, or unusually dry and thinning skin, this may indicate more serious health issues. In such cases, it is essential to consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.
How to relieve and prevent cold hands and feet?
Here are effective tips to improve circulation and reduce cold hands and feet:
- Wear woolen gloves and socks as well as waterproof footwear in cold or damp weather. Ensure that your shoes are warm and not too tight.
- Dress in layers to retain warmth.
- Take warm hand and foot baths to enhance circulation.
- Regular sauna sessions may help improve blood circulation and reduce cold sensations.
- Massage can boost blood flow.
- Increase physical activity, as it promotes better circulation.
- Improve leg circulation by elevating your feet above heart level for about 10 minutes several times a day or performing bicycle-like movements while lying down.
- Avoid smoking and limit caffeine consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Ginkgo Biloba and Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve circulation.
Who Can Benefit from Ginkgo Biloba Extract?
If your hands and feet often feel cold and it affects your quality of life, using circulation-boosting supplements may help. The most popular herbal supplement for improving circulation is Ginkgo Biloba.
Ginkgo Biloba is a natural plant-based supplement known for its ability to enhance peripheral blood circulation in the hands, feet, and brain. Therefore, extracts made from Ginkgo Biloba are commonly used to improve circulation in these areas.
The most beneficial components of Ginkgo Biloba are flavonoids, which have strong antioxidant properties, and terpenoids, which help improve circulation by dilating blood vessels.
Additionally, Ginkgo Biloba extract improves memory and concentration.
What Are the Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is an ancient tree with numerous health benefits. Various scientific studies have shown that it is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Enhancing Blood Circulation
Ginkgo Biloba is well known for its vasodilating properties, which help improve circulation in the brain, heart, and extremities.
Improving Memory and Concentration
Ginkgo Biloba can help enhance memory and focus by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Relieving Cold Hands and Feet
Ginkgo Biloba helps reduce symptoms of cold hands and feet by improving circulation in these areas.
Other Benefits
Ginkgo Biloba may also help improve hearing and reduce symptoms of tinnitus.
Which Supplement Should You Choose?
There are various Ginkgo Biloba supplements available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Ginkgo Biloba combined with Omega-3 fatty acids is an effective way to alleviate cold hands and feet. This combination helps improve circulation in small blood vessels, reducing the sensation of cold. Additionally, it supports normal memory and concentration.
For the best choice, consult a pharmacist who can recommend the most suitable supplement for your needs.
Keep your hands and feet warm!
