Getting Older, Feeling Colder
“Age is irrelevant. Ask me how many sunsets I’ve seen, hearts I’ve loved, trips I’ve taken, or concerts I’ve been to. That’s how old I am.”
– Joëlle
Cold hands, cold feet, always need to wear an additional layer? It’s not pleasant, yet there are various explanations to feeling colder as we age – less physical activity, calorie reduction, lower metabolic rate or thinning fat under the skin, and so on – you’ve probably heard them all.
Feeling colder is generally nothing to worry about, yet there are other conditions which may aggravate the need to throw a blanket over your shoulders regardless of whether it’s cold outside or not – including Anemia, Type 2 Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), to name a few.
Of those mentioned, Anemia is often the biggest culprit, as there are over 400 types of Anemia – many not detected by regular blood test. Some studies indicate that as many as 80% of women suffer from iron-deficiency, and as many as 35% of men, yet they are not clinically diagnosed as being anemic.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be anemic: Pale complexion, pale lips and nail-beds, fatigue, dizziness, increased heart rate, sore or swollen tongue, shortness of breath, headaches, irritability, ringing in the ears, heart palpitations, blurry vision, insomnia, numbness in the limbs, premature hair loss, dry skin and poor appetite.
Buying and taking an over-the-counter iron supplement is not always the best course of action, and can have side effects including constipation, upset stomach and heartburn, staining of the teeth, and headaches.
Inappropriate levels of iron intake can also impair the uptake of essential trace minerals, and at worst, increase the risk of heart attacks. Always consult your health practitioner to ensure the best diet and quality supplement are followed for your specific needs – we have free healthcare in Canada, take advantage of it and seek help to remedy your discomforts. •