The blood circulation problem is often an outcome of lifestyle choices such as the imbalanced diet and lack of physical exercise. Some men suffer from cold hands and feet but these symptoms are common among women. It could be nothing but could be a tell-tale sign of a serious illness.
Diseases Linked to Cold Feet and Hands
Hands and feet get cold when blood vessels are constricted. In serious cases, the common causes of cold hands and feet are anemia, candida, parasites, allergies, hypo-thyroidism, Raynaud's disease, stress, a side-effect of taking certain medications, and an underlying disease affecting blood flow in the tiny blood vessels of the skin.
Poor Circulation Affects Various Body Parts
As the circulatory system covers the entire body, the problems can also be found in various body parts. According to Understanding the Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation:
- brain: The brain receives 20 percent of the blood circulated in the body. With a drop in the flow, the brain functions sub-optimally, resulting in lethargy, loss of memory, and lack of mental clarity. Frequent unexplained headaches and sudden attacks of dizziness are also seen as symptoms of poor blood circulation to the brain.
- heart: When poor blood circulation affects the heart, a person is likely to have chest pain, high blood pressure and rise in the level of cholesterol. He will have difficulty in performing any common task such as climbing stairs, walking a stretch could make him very tired and breathless.
- liver: When a person suffers from lack of appetite or experience sudden weight loss and the skin looks luster-less, it is quite possible that his liver is getting sluggish and these are the early symptoms of poor blood circulation to the liver.
- kidneys:This organ plays a crucial role in regulating and monitoring the blood pressure apart from eliminating the waste and excess water from the body. When poor blood circulation affects the kidneys, symptoms include swelling of hands, feet and ankles, rise in blood pressure, altered heart rate and constant fatigue.
- limbs: Bad blood circulation can have serious impact on the arms and legs. Symptoms include sudden numbness of the hands, feet and fingers or suffer painful leg cramps. Symptoms of serious blood circulation problems can be varicose veins or a condition called cyanosis, which is when part of the skin turns blue or black due to lack of adequate oxygen to the concerned tissues.
Improve Lifestyle and Solve Blood Circulation Problem
Many people can often improve their cold hands and feet symptoms by themselves. Wear gloves and socks all the time and eat warm food. If the balanced healthy diet and exercise do not help, go and see the doctor.
Related article: Foods for Poor Blood Circulation - Cold Hands and Feet Remedies
Miki Garcia - Miki is a freelance writer from San Francisco. After obtaining her master’s degree in journalism from City University London, UK, ...
