3 Possible Reasons Why Your Stomach May Be Cold to Touch

By - Shaila Amaraj

A cold stomach is a medical presentation suggesting that the stomach is cold. Decades ago, Chinese medicine was a popular option among people with stomach colds. According to their beliefs, stomach cold to touch is due to cold invasion or Yang deficiency.

But today, you may be wondering, why is my stomach cold to touch?

The stomach feeling cold after a workout is one of the most typical symptoms when the heart draws blood to the leg. The reduced blood flow to the digestive system can result in a cold feeling in your stomach.

Still, stomach problems can turn your daily routine into an uneasy experience. Almost everyone has felt that cold feeling in their stomach. But how do we fix it? Let’s see!

Cold Stomach Sensation Causes

Why is my stomach cold to touch? What causes cold in the belly? If you are still in doubt, let us tell you why! 

There are thermoreceptors throughout your body. And what do they do? But before that, did you know that thermoreceptors are sensitive? These receptors can notice temperature changes. 

Later, it sends signals to the nervous system to help your body keep a safe core temperature. In general, there are internal and external factors of a cold stomach. Let’s look at the most common causes of it:

Unhealthy Diet

People who often consume cold and uncooked foods complain of stomach upset. Their unhealthy addiction to these foods can damage the stomach and spleen mucosa. 

Besides, can cold drinks cause stomach pain? Food intake that is too hot or cold at once can damage the gastrointestinal layer. Over time, the tummy can no longer keep the warmth, resulting in a cold feeling in stomach after eating.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

People with excessive stress and lack of rest can have a weird cold feeling in abdomen. These habits not only ruin their lifestyle but they injure their organs. 

Food digestion will not be efficient when the spleen and stomach do not work together. So, the stomach is cold to touch. Also, unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking alcohol exaggerate the condition. 

Medical Illnesses

Medical illnesses are one of the most common causes of a cold stomach. You may want to address the symptom to exclude:

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation that occurs in your pancreas. It can be acute or chronic, infectious and non-infectious. And as for acute pancreatitis, it mimics the cold feeling in stomach and chest. Sometimes, your left shoulder hurts after eating, so watch out for the alarming signs! 

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is inflammation in the lining of the small intestine or stomach. Many infections can lead to a cold feeling in stomach and throat. Infections like food poisoning and gastroenteritis start with chills and rigors. 

Supportive treatment is the only available option for viral gastroenteritis. But bacterial forms can cure with strong antibiotics. 

Kidney Stones

Why does my lower left abdomen feels cold? You may experience chills and pain over the flank with kidney stones. On top of that, the symptoms may be worse with infected stones.

What Does It Mean If Your Stomach Is Cold While Working Out? 

How to lose belly fat? During the workout, different parts of the body function more than others. Yet, it depends on the type of workout you do as well.

Muscles demand increased blood flow during workouts to get the oxygen they need. So, blood drives from less active muscles and tissues to the functional muscles. Thus, if your stomach feels cold to touch after a workout, you know why!

Moreover, sweat evaporates while working out. As a result, it cools your body! And finally, pay attention to other factors. The weather and attire may help you identify the causes of stomach cold after workout.

Why Is My Stomach Cold To Touch During Pregnancy?

Sometimes, we cannot differentiate pregnancy from ascites and belly fat. It’s that difficult to predict! Still, all these have something in common. Yes, the tummy remains cold to the touch! Why is my stomach cold to touch during pregnancy? Here are a few explanations for it:

Stretched Skin During Pregnancy

In general, the tummy is more distant from the organs that preserve heat. Plus, the hefty weight of the growing fetus obstructs the blood vessels in the pelvis. And then, it modifies the blood circulation. Over time, your belly’s blood vessels expand, so the belly becomes colder. 

Anemia in Pregnancy

A cold belly due to iron deficiency is common in pregnancy. People with anemia have poor blood flow throughout their bodies. With that, insufficient red blood cells supply oxygen to the nearby tissue. Thus, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Otherwise, pregnant mothers do not need to worry! The cold belly is a typical presentation. If you want to warm your belly, use an extra sweater with a warm shower every day.

Why Do Fat Areas of Your Body Feel Cold?

Why is my stomach cold to touch? Body fat has a low heat conductivity that provides cushion and thermal resistance. So muscle radiates heat a lot better than fat! More blood vessels move through muscles, so the heat transfer is much easier. 

Meanwhile, fat areas in the body comprise adipose tissues. The blood vessels here are fewer in numbers and tightened. 

So these areas are more immune to heat transference. In short, fat can take on the external temperature better than the muscles. And that explains why your fatty stomach area feels colder!

How Do You Fix a Cold Stomach?

As we already know the causes of a stomach cold, it is time to fix the problem! There is no treatment for exercise-induced cold feeling in the stomach and chest. 

In reality, this seems to be a matter of blood circulation and cold sensitivity. Otherwise, to prevent this condition or worsening symptoms of it, follow these steps:

Maintain a Regular Diet

A regular diet is a method to safeguard our stomach and digestive system. Eat small and frequent amounts, and prevent starving to keep the gut healthy. 

Avoid uncooked and cold edibles like ice, sushi, and ice cream. If can, avoid spicy and fried foods that can damage our digestive system, causing a weakened gut.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Conditions that influence your body’s metabolism could lead to a cold stomach. Dehydration can be one of the effects. You may even need intravenous fluid or other supportive therapy to cure the symptoms.

Have Enough Rest

Get a bunch of sleep and lessen the amount of activity you perform during the day. Sometimes all you need is a pair of sweaters, socks, and a hot shower!

Medication 

Antibiotics may help relieve stomach cold and ache. And if you have digestive problems, antiemetic or anti-diarrheal drugs are helpful. Still, check with your physician before trying over-the-counter medication.

Smoking & Alcohol Abstinence

Excessive smoking and alcohol may impair the gastric mucosa, raising the stomach burden. Furthermore, discontinuing smoking habits improves blood flow and oxygen levels.

When to See a Doctor?

Why is my stomach cold all the time? Exercise-induced cold sensation in stomach is harmless. Still, you may want to book a visit with a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist. Also, be aware of new overlapping symptoms! These symptoms may include:

FAQs

Question: What food should I avoid if I have a cold stomach?

Avoid ingesting uncooked and cold meals such as ice, raw seafood, and watermelon. Also, do not consume Chinese herbs, traditional medicines, and cold drinks. Always consult your medical practitioner before trying any drugs over the counter.

Question: Does my stomach being cold mean I’m burning calories?

Cold exposure raises the production of brown fat in the body. Later, the body activates adequate brown fat to take over the heat-producing role. Thus, your body burns more calories in a cold setting. And that explains why a cold stomach means burning calories!

Question: What does a chill in your stomach feel like?

Chill in the stomach consists of a constellation of symptoms. It includes nausea, stomach cramps, and alteration in bowel habits. Many conditions may cause stomach pain and chills. Yet, it is a clear hint that your body is combating infection.

Takeaways

Why is my stomach cold to touch? If you still experience a cold sensation in stomach, we hope this article gives you an idea of what it could be! Chances are you have increased cold sensitivity causing alteration in the blood flow.

But, if this feeling disrupts your daily activities, you should consult a doctor. Some conditions include a cold stomach as a presentation that demands immediate attention.