Cold Feet? Hot Tips

If you’re battling to keep your feet warm this winter – look no further. We’ve compiled everything you need to know to get your toes happily tapping at a warmer temp…

1. Get moving

As simple as it seems, getting up and moving may be one of the easiest ways to warm the body and help blood flow to and from the feet. People who experience cold feet after staying in one place (on the couch or at a desk) may benefit from getting up and walking around regularly. If you’re up for it, throw in a few jumping jacks too!

2. Don’t forget those socks and slippers

Keeping the feet bundled up is a great way to help them stay warm and prevent any additional heat loss. Woolen socks are best, along with well-insulated slippers or shoes.

3. Footbaths

One of the quickest ways to relieve cold feet is to soak them in a warm footbath. Filling a bathtub or basin with warm water and soaking the feet for 10 to 15 minutes may be enough to keep fresh blood circulating to the feet throughout the day. This may be especially helpful just before bed, as it can also relieve tension and relax the muscles.

4. Heating pads or hot water bottles

If you have trouble sleeping due to cold feet, placing a heating pad or hot water bottle at the foot of your bed can keep the area surrounding the feet warm at bedtime.

5. Check your diet.

Since our metabolisms control both our heartbeat and the body’s temperature, an underactive thyroid could contribute to reduced circulation and colder feet. To boost your metabolism, consider doing more exercise, eating more protein and less refined carbs, and avoiding caffeine.

6. Pump up on iron.

Are you sure you’re getting enough iron in your diet? Iron is a mineral with several important functions for your body, mainly to make red blood cells and to carry oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency can cause anemia and lead to symptoms like fatigue, but it can also lead to chronic cold feet.

Did you know?

Some people have Raynaud’s phenomenon, where exposure to cold temperatures or high stress causes them to experience limited blood circulation, resulting in cold or numb fingers and toes.

Apart from the chilly weather, this rare phenomenon, and some dietary changes, if your feet stay constantly cold, it could be due to other health factors – such as poor circulation, a history of smoking, high blood pressure, or even diabetes.

If you’re concerned, be sure to consult your doctor.