What to Do if You’re Feeling Tired and Cold

It’s not unusual to feel occasionally exhausted and chilly at the same time. In fact, these symptoms are often the first harbingers of oncoming cold or flu. But do you find yourself asking, “Why am I always tired and cold?” If so, it’s important to consider some chronic conditions that may explain these paired complaints. Once you discover the cause, you’ll begin to find ways to overcome the discomfort.

Underactive Thyroid

People with hypothyroidism have underactive thyroid glands. These glands are responsible for releasing the hormones that provide you with energy. They also regulate body temperature.

Your doctor can confirm the hypothyroidism diagnosis, as well as start you on a course of corrective medication. In the meantime, massage and physical therapy may ease other problems related to an underactive thyroid condition. These problems include aching joints and weight gain.

Poor Circulation

Are your “cold spots” often limited to your hands or feet? If so, your blood flow may be slower than is normal. Poor circulation might also explain your constant exhaustion. Sluggish blood flow also reduces oxygen delivery throughout your system, which results in that perpetual tired feeling. As always, consulting your doctor should be your first move. The root causes of slow blood circulation can be as common as estrogen fluctuations, or as potentially serious as diabetes.

Extra pounds and a sedentary lifestyle may well explain your poor circulation. Starting a fitness routine helps you banish both fatigue and the chills in your extremities. If you’re totally new to working out, a physical therapist can show you how to get moving safely, without over-stressing joints and muscles.

Anemia

There are different types of nutrient deficiency anemia, but iron deficiency anemia is the one most likely to result in feeling both cold and tired. That’s because iron is crucial for red blood cell development. Without adequate production of red blood cells, tissue cells throughout the body don’t get enough oxygen. The result is chills and fatigue, among other symptoms. Other potential signs of iron deficiency anemia include rapid heartbeat and cold, clammy skin.

A blood test can confirm low iron levels in your bloodstream. If you do have anemia, supplements and dietary changes can do much to make up for the nutrient deficiency. Make sure to have more leafy green vegetables, as well as nuts, legumes, shellfish, turkey and liver.

Becoming Run Down

When you sleep too little and work too hard, you put yourself at risk of constant fatigue. That fatigue leads to a bit of a domino effect. You’re more likely to get constant colds that leave you chilled and exhausted. But even when you’re not technically “sick,” your tired body is more likely to feel cold. That’s because when you don’t feel up to moving around much, your muscles are constantly cold, leading to shivering and chills.

The solution for all of this is fairly simply — start going to bed earlier. But if you’re fighting insomnia, indulge in a therapeutic massage once or twice a week to help you relax.

If you’re not finding it easy to shake that constant exhaustion and chills, you don’t have to go it alone. Backfit provides assessments. Chances are, you can overcome these uncomfortable symptoms and start feeling like yourself again! Contact us today.