4 Home Remedies for Raynaud's Disease

Do you hate opening the freezer because, every time you do, your hands become ice cold in seconds? Do your fingers ever turn white or blue? Do your sometimes go numb on cool autumn nights? If so, you might be suffering from Raynaud's Disease.

Raynaud's Disease (also called Raynaud's Syndrome) is a circulatory condition that can cause certain parts of your body (like your fingers and toes) to feel extremely cold or numb as a result of either cold weather or stress.

If you have Raynaud's Disease, this might sound familiar to you. When the temperature drops, or you are under stress, your fingers start to feel cold or numb, and probably turn blue or white. Then, as you start to warm up, or your stress starts to ease, your fingers start to throb or tingle. They may also turn red, or even swell.

Raynaud's Disease isn't usually a life threatening, or even debilitating disease. However, it can be extremely annoying, inconvenient, and sometimes even painful.

If you are suffering from Raynaud's Disease, here are some home remedies that will help you find relief.

Those with Raynaud's Disease Shouldn't Smoke

Even in people who don't have Raynaud's Disease, nicotine constricts blood vessels and causes a drop in skin temperature. If you have Raynaud's Disease, lighting a cigarette may be all it takes to trigger an attack. In fact, being in a room where other people are smoking could aggravate your condition.

Dehydration Could Aggravate Raynaud's Disease

Being dehydrated makes you more prone to chills, so it's important that you drink plenty of water, juice, and other fluids.

However, avoid caffeinated beverages. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which could trigger an attack.

You should also avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol can make you feel warmer at first, but it actually causes your core body temperature to drop, meaning it will actually make you feel colder in the long run.

Add Hats to Your Wardrobe

We lose most of our body heat through our heads. So those suffering from Raynaud's Disease should get into the habit of wearing hats, especially on cold or chilly days. You should also invest in some warm socks, gloves, mittens, and scarves.

Remember, Stress Can Trigger an Attack

Along with staying cold temperatures, stress can aggravate Raynaud's Disease.

There's no way to completely eliminate stress from your life. But, if you suffer from Raynaud's Disease, you should try to minimize it as much as possible. Try to stay calm in stressful situations. And take the time to relax and decompress a few times a day.

For most people, Raynaud's Disease is a condition that never has to have a serious affect on their life. Especially if they learn to cut down on their chances of suffering from a Raynaud's attack.