Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

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Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

May 16, 2025

Why Am I Always Cold? 8 Possible Causes of Cold Sensitivity & What You Can Do

Feeling cold and freezing all the time may seem normal. But cold sensitivity may be a sign of a health issue.

Immune Regulation

Written by

Mito Team

Why You Might Feel Like a Human Popsicle

Ever feel like you're the only one bundled up in a jacket while everyone else is in a T-shirt? Maybe you sleep with socks, a hoodie, and three blankets—even in the summer. Or you're the person who always brings a sweater "just in case" the AC is on blast.

Your body aims to keep a steady normal body temperature around 98.6°F (37°C), though it can actually range from about 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). Some people just feel colder than others, but if you're always feeling cold, it might mean your body is having a hard time staying in that normal temperature range.

8 Health Conditions That Can Make You Feel Cold

8 Health Conditions That Can Make You Feel Cold

Here are common health conditions that affect how your body senses and responds to cold:

1. Anemia 

Anemia is when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Without enough oxygen, you might feel colder than usual, especially in your hands and feet. Other symptoms include feeling tired, dizzy, or having pale skin. 

The most common type is caused by iron deficiency. However, low vitamin B12 can also lead to anemia, especially in older folks or those who eat mostly plant-based foods.

2. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland isn't making enough hormones. This gland plays a role in controlling your metabolism, which is how your body turns food into energy and heat. When hormone levels drop, your metabolism slows down. This can lead to weight gain and tiredness, and you might also feel cold all the time.

3. Poor Circulation

If your blood isn't flowing well, like with conditions such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or peripheral artery disease, it can be tough to keep your arms and legs warm. That means your hands, feet, and even your nose might feel cold, even if your actual body temperature is fine.

4. Low Body Fat or Low BMI

When you have low body fat or a low BMI, it can be tough to stay warm. That’s because body fat works like insulation, helping to keep you cozy. This is often seen in people who are naturally slim, super active, or not eating enough calories.

5. Diabetes

When blood sugar levels are high for a long time, they can hurt the nerves in your body, especially in your hands and feet. This can make it hard to feel temperature changes, so you might notice your hands or feet feeling cold or numb, even if your body temperature is normal.

6. Fibromyalgia or Chronic Illness

Some ongoing health issues can change how our bodies feel the temperature. For example, people with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome often say they are more sensitive to cold or have temperature swings.

7. Anorexia Nervosa

If you’re not eating enough, your body goes into a sort of energy-saving mode. Anorexia slows down their metabolism, lowers their body temperature, and reduces blood flow to the skin. That is why many people with eating disorders feel cold a lot of the time.

8. Medications

Certain medications, like beta-blockers for high blood pressure, sedatives, or antidepressants, can impact how your body works. They might make you feel colder than usual because they can affect your circulation, metabolism, or nervous system.

What About Age, Gender, or Pregnancy?

  • Kids and older folks tend to get cold quickly than others. Babies aren't great at keeping their body heat yet, while older adults usually have slower metabolisms and thinner skin, which makes them lose heat faster.

  • Women may feel colder than men because of differences in hormones and body composition, like lower muscle mass.

  • Pregnant women usually run warmer, but if you’re expecting and still feel cold, it could signal anemia or low calorie intake.

Blood Tests That Can Reveal the Cause

If you’re tired of layering up and wondering if something deeper is going on, talk to your doctor about getting these blood tests to figure out what’s causing your cold sensitivity:

These tests are a great starting point for uncovering the reasons why you have cold intolerance. Mito Health offers these blood tests and more.

Health Hacks to Warm Up Naturally

Health Hacks to Warm Up Naturally

After any underlying issues are addressed, some simple everyday changes can help you warm up faster and stay more comfortable.

  • Start by looking at your diet. Eating warm meals that are high in protein, with some complex carbs and healthy fats, helps your body stay warm. Don’t forget to add some warming spices like ginger or cayenne. Also, make sure you’re drinking lots of water because dehydration messes with how your body regulates temperature.

  • Physical activity is another powerful heat booster. Movement gets your blood flowing and builds muscle mass, which helps generate and retain heat. Even light daily activity, like walking or stretching, can help.

  • Dressing in layers, especially with wool or moisture-wicking materials, traps body heat and keeps you warmer longer. Covering your head, hands, and feet prevents major heat loss. Just don’t go overboard with tight clothing—it can restrict circulation.

  • Chronic stress can cause blood vessels to constrict and make you feel colder. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or a warm bath before bed can help your body stay calm and warm.

Get to The Bottom of Your Cold Sensitivity

Constantly feeling cold isn’t just a quirk. It’s often a sign that something in your body needs attention. Whether it’s anemia, thyroid issues, or simply not getting enough calories, there are real, addressable reasons your human body temperature might feel off.

Start by working with your doctor to explore possible causes. At Mito Health, we make it easy to test your thyroid function, iron levels, B12, and more. Find out what’s going on inside your body and get personalized strategies to feel better and warmer.

References:

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325151

  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/why-do-i-feel-so-cold-all-the-time

  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8989508/

  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266255

  5. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/improve-circulation

  6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9210029/

  7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4861190/

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

Company

Inquire

Join our newsletter

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

Company

Inquire

Join our newsletter

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.