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Feeling cold after eating can have various causes. Occasional chills after eating are usually harmless and can be attributed to natural processes such as blood redistribution in the body. However, if the feeling persists, occurs regularly, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Feeling cold after eating is usually harmless
Many people feel tired, cold, or generally sluggish after eating.
- This is because after eating, the parasympathetic nervous system—one of the two major nerves of the autonomic nervous system—becomes active. After eating, a large portion of the blood is diverted to the gastrointestinal tract to aid digestion.
- This can lead to reduced blood flow to the outer regions of the body, such as the hands and feet, resulting in a feeling of coldness. This is a completely natural process and usually no cause for concern.
- By the way: Protein-rich meals have an interesting effect: they stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which increases energy metabolism. This so-called thermogenic effect means that the body needs more energy for digestion, which generates heat. So if you regularly feel cold after eating, you can try incorporating more protein into your meals. This can help increase heat production after eating.
When you should see a doctor
Feeling cold after eating can also be a sign of an underlying illness.
- Hypothyroidism causes many people to feel cold all the time. If this is combined with parasympathetic activity, the feeling of cold after eating is intensified. Other signs of an underactive thyroid include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, or depressive moods. A medical examination is recommended in such cases.
- Feeling cold after eating is also a warning sign from the body when you are underweight. Very thin people feel the cold more easily anyway. Food is a source of energy for the body. In order for it to maintain body temperature, among other things, sufficient energy must be supplied. If you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, it should definitely be treated.
- People who suffer from diabetes and do not coordinate blood sugar-lowering medications such as insulin with their meals can slip into hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
In addition to restlessness, tremors, fatigue, palpitations, and other signs, feeling cold is also a symptom of hypoglycemia.
