Do You Have Cold Hands and Feet?
Lots of women know what it feels like to have frigid fingers and toes. No surprise, since women are nine times more likely than men to have that problem.
But why exactly why does it happen?
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For one thing, most men have more heat-generating muscle mass, which increases blood flow and keeps them warm. Another reason is that women have thinner skin, especially on their feet - and as we get older, the skin on our feet gets even thinner.
'The combination of a poor diet that lacks vital vitamins and minerals such as B12 and folate, plus sleep deprivation, loss of muscle tissue due to inappropriate exercise and smoking, can also affect the blood supply to your hands and feet.
If the temperature of your fingers and toes is almost unbearable you might have a condition call Raynauds. This disorder means your arteries will go into spasm in response to cold. Typically, fingers turn bright white then turn scarlet when they warm up. It's uncomfortable, but usually nothing to worry about. If you're in pain, ask your health care provider what can be done.
A change in diet could improve your symptoms. Omega-3, an essential fatty acid, helps blood flow. You can get it from oily fish or supplements. In one study, people with Raynaud's were given fish oil supplements or a dummy tablet for 12 weeks. The group that took fish oil fared much better in the temperature of their hands and feet. If you eat fish, have two portions a week, one of which should be oily - fresh tuna, sardines, mackerel, herring or trout.
On the upside, wine is an excellent way to make blood flow easier. One glass could get your blood moving and warm those fingers and toes. Let's toast to that.
Are you surprised to learn that women are nine times more likely to have cold hands and feet than men? Probably not, since lots of us know what it feels like to have frigid fingers and toes.
But why exactly why does it happen?
For one thing, most men have more heat-generating muscle mass, which increases blood flow and keeps them warm. Another reason is that women have thinner skin, especially on their feet - and as we get older, the skin on our feet gets even thinner.
'The combination of a poor diet that lacks vital vitamins and minerals such as B12 and folate, plus sleep deprivation, loss of muscle tissue due to inappropriate exercise and smoking, can also affect the blood supply to your hands and feet.
If the temperature of your fingers and toes is almost unbearable you might have a condition call Raynauds. This disorder means your arteries will go into spasm in response to cold. Typically, fingers turn bright white then turn scarlet when they warm up. It's uncomfortable, but usually nothing to worry about. If you're in pain, ask your health care provider what can be done.
A change in diet could improve your symptoms. Omega-3, an essential fatty acid, helps blood flow. You can get it from oily fish or supplements. In one study, people with Raynaud's were given fish oil supplements or a dummy tablet for 12 weeks. The group that took fish oil fared much better in the temperature of their hands and feet. If you eat fish, have two portions a week, one of which should be oily - fresh tuna, sardines, mackerel, herring or trout.
On the upside, wine is an excellent way to make blood flow easier. One glass could get your blood moving and warm those fingers and toes. Let's toast to that.
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