Do you suffer from cold feet? Take a look at what will help
Winter is here in full force and, as always, it brings one unpleasant sensation - cold feet. If you get the feeling that your feet won't warm up, whether you're outdoors or at home under a blanket, you're not alone. Cold feet aren't just uncomfortable; they may be a sign that your circulatory system isn’t working as well as it should be. Let's take a look at the causes of cold feet and tips on how to effectively combat the problem.
Why do you have cold feet?
The most common cause of cold feet is related to blood circulation. When it's cold, the body naturally restricts the flow of blood to your extremities so as to retain heat in the more important organs. However, if you have cold feet all year round, it could be down to a sedentary lifestyle, stress, poor blood circulation or even certain ailments such as diabetes or thyroid problems.
How to get rid of and prevent cold feet
It’s worth remembering that prevention is always easier than solving the problem. It’s crucial to get the right combination of exercise, warmth and support for circulation. If you spend most of your day sitting down, or example if you work in an office, it's important to regularly change position and get your legs moving. A short walk or simple exercises such as toe lunges or rotating your ankles can help get your circulation moving and warm up your feet. The choice of clothing is also important - good quality socks that don't pinch your feet or thermal socks will keep your feet warm even in cold weather.
A hot foot bath, with the water at a temperature of 35 to 38 °C, is a great way to get rid of that unpleasant cold sensation. Adding Epsom salts or a few drops of essential oil will help to warm up your feet and will also relax your muscles. Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower can also help, as that stimulates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. Likewise, a foot massage helps to get the circulation flowing and releases tension.
Foot Alignment Socks are also a really effective aid. Not only do the toe separators help improve blood flow in the feet, they also relax the muscles and improve overall circulation in the feet. So, if you suffer from cold feet on a regular basis, wearing these socks is a good means of prevention and recovery.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet. A lack of iron or vitamin B12 is one cause of blood circulation problems, so it's important to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals, including ginkgo biloba or rutin, for example. Rutin occurs naturally in buckwheat, citrus fruits and apples. It improves the health of the vascular system and can also be purchased as an extract.
Get rid of that cold feet feeling once and for all
Cold feet can be a nuisance in winter, but with a few simple steps it's possible to get rid of the problem for good. Just start following a few habits that will boost your blood circulation, warm up your feet and make you more comfortable even on the coldest of days. You can make cold feet a thing of the past.
