5. Autoimmune Diseases
Several autoimmune conditions—including Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma, and Sjogren’s syndrome—can lead to an associated disorder, called Raynaud’s, says rheumatologists at California’s Providence Saint John’s Health Center. Raynaud’s causes the blood vessels to narrow, particularly those in the fingers, nose, ears, and toes, when the body feels emotional stress.
This results in a telltale chill in these extremities, which can also be accompanied by numbness, redness, and tingling. While autoimmune conditions characterize any condition in which the immune system attacks the body, Raynaud’s itself, is not very harmful.

6. Certain Medications
You might never imagine that a drug prescribed to make you feel better could actually result in health issues. However, in the case of certain medications taken for migraine headaches, blood pressure, or cancer treatment, a side effect of your prescription could be unexplained cold fingers and toes.
The above mentioned medications, according to the Mayo Clinic, can cause narrowing of the blood vessels, and Raynaud’s, the same condition we mentioned in the previous slide. If you experience cold extremities as a side effect of medication, your doctor may be able to provide an alternative.

7. Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Harvard Medical School researchers note that a B12 deficiency can result in icy fingers and toes. Those with inadequate milk, eggs, poultry, and meat in their diets can develop a B12 deficiency, particularly vegans and vegetarians, or those with Celiac or Crohn’s disease.
Inadequate vitamin B12 can cause decreased red blood cell production (or anemia). However, taking B12 supplements can right the deficiency within about a month. A quick blood test from your doctor can determine if your B12 levels are low.

Emily Lockhart
Emily Lockhart is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer. She believes that being healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a punishment or temporary fix to attain a desired fitness or body image goal. Anna helps her clients take responsibility for their own health and wellness through her classes and articles on ActiveBeat.