Many people complain about a change in body temperature after they eat something. Some, therefore, have the confusion, "why do I get cold after eating?" Some think it happens because they smoke, others are of the view that it happens because of a slow metabolism. If it is due to your metabolism, should you start drinking green tea and eat more often to improve metabolism? Keep reading to learn about different causes of why you feel cold after eating and things you can do about it.
Why Do I Get Cold After I Eat?
Depending on the temperature and type of food you eat, it is natural to experience some changes in your body temperature after eating. Usually, your body heats up when your blood moves to your digestive system and away from the extremities. Your body temperature will also rise while digesting food that requires more energy to break down, such as protein. Yet, your body temperature may come down if you have eaten cold foods and increase when you eat hot foods. Below are some possible causes of coldness after eating.
1. Low Carbohydrate Diet
Being on a low carbohydrate diet is another reason why your body temperature is always on the lower side – your body gets heat and energy from carbohydrates. Low iron in the blood may also be the reason why you feel cold. This may also cause cold sweat in your hands, forehead, and legs. Low or high blood pressure may as well cause chills after eating. And of course, stress can make you feel cold.
2. Hypothyroidism
Why do I get cold after I eat? The answers can vary, and one of them can be a condition known as hypothyroidism, in which your thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland is responsible for controlling functions, such as metabolism and temperature regulation. If you have hypothyroidism, you are going to be extremely sensitive to temperature changes, usually quite intolerant to cold.
Other symptoms of this condition include low energy, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and brittle hair and nails. Your doctor will make a diagnosis by ordering a blood test and prescribe medications to treat this condition.
3. Other Health Conditions
Some other conditions may also be the answer to your question, why do I get cold after I eat. For instance, you may experience chills after eating due to malnutrition, anemia, diabetes, anorexia, and immune deficiencies like AIDS and lupus.
It could be due to diabetes, especially when diabetes damages your kidneys and causes a condition called diabetic nephropathy. You may also experience other symptoms, such as itchiness, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, confusion, and swelling in the feet, face, or hands.
It could be due to an eating disorder called anorexia. People suffering from this condition become very thin with resisting getting fat. Along with feeling cold, there are some other symptoms associated with anorexia: you keep thinking about your body weight; you are at least 15% below your ideal body weight for your height; and you have not had your period for at least 3 months.
Can It Be Serious? When Should You See a Doctor?
After getting the possible answers to "why do I get cold after I eat", you will begin to wonder about questions like, can it be serious issue, when should I seek medical help? Many people have such concerns. In some cases, chills may be serious, especially when they are accompanied by a cold sweat, heartburn, or chest/upper body pain. This usually indicates a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention. It is a good idea to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause of experiencing chills after eating.
How to Deal With Feeling Cold After Eating
It is important to work with your doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. For instance, you may have to quit smoking if you feel cold due to a blood vessel disorder. Similarly, you may need medication to improve thyroid function if you feel cold due to a thyroid condition.
Home Remedies to Try
In case your chronic coldness feeling is not due to an alarming situation, you may consider making use of home remedies to relieve your symptoms. For instance:
- Eat some slices of ginger 15 minutes before your meals may help a lot. Ginger helps improve digestion and improves blood circulation as well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep sipping hot water during meals.
- Consider eating hot foods to avoid feeling cold after eating. Always cook your food lightly, whether it is steamed, sautéed, broiled, or baked. Your meal needs to be warm and nourishing. Include sweet (milk, wheat, and rice), sour (tomatoes, yogurt, and citrus), and salty foods in your diet.
- Avoid overeating because it can affect your digestion and make you feel cold after eating. Take short walks for about 15 minutes or so after eating your meals to improve digestion.
- Take a thin slice of fresh lime and ginger with salt sprinkled lightly on these slices. It will strengthen your digestive enzymes and at the same time prepare your intestines as well as stomach for the process of digestion.