Little-known reason you might always be cold – and it's impacting your health

24 June 2024 , 04:00

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Some people get cold quite easily (Image: Getty Images)

It's not unusual to feel a bit nippy from time to time, but for some of us, it seems we're always reaching for an extra layer.

While it might seem like you're just naturally more susceptible to the cold, it could actually be a sign of something else entirely. If you find yourself constantly feeling chilly, your body might be trying to send you a message about your health.

A medical professional, who goes by the handle @doctordjsims on TikTok, suggested if you often find yourself feeling cold when everyone else is comfortable, it might be more than just being "cold natured". According to her, it's all about understanding your body, as it could be signalling something crucial.

In her video, she explained: "If you're cold all the time you actually might be suffering from iron deficiency anaemia, or just a different type of anaemia, but the symptom of being cold all the time is a common symptom that's not normal."

She pointed out that while some people are naturally more prone to feeling cold, particularly if they live in colder homes, there are signs which could indicate an underlying issue.

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For instance, if you find yourself wrapping up in a blanket even when the weather is warm, it might be worth getting checked out. Dr Sims confessed that she had experienced this herself, and was unaware that it wasn't normal.

"I didn't know my iron was low because no doctor would ever check it," she revealed. "So be sure, if you're really really cold all the time, get your blood work, check your iron, find out if you have some form of anaemia.

"If you're not - that's good - you're just a cold-natured person."

The NHS explains that iron deficiency anaemia stems from a shortfall of iron, often due to blood loss or during pregnancy. It can be managed with iron supplements and an iron-rich diet.

Should you suspect you might have it, the NHS lists additional symptoms to watch out for. According to their guide, if you're experiencing iron deficiency anaemia, you may notice:

• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
• Skin that's paler than usual
• Headaches

Katie-Ann Gupwell