According to Dr. Deepalakshmi at Shree Balaji Medical Center (Chennai, India), the temperature of the hands partly reflects blood circulation, temperature regulation and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. All of these are closely related to the health of the gut microbiome.
animal research has shown that microbiome imbalances, such as antibiotic use, can reduce body temperature, showing a potential role in regulating the temperature of the intestines.
Meanwhile, signs such as warm or cold hands are the external signal for changes inside the body. Warm hands are often a sign of good circulation, a stable nervous system and a healthy gut. In contrast, prolonged cold hands can reflect poor blood flow, stress or metabolic disorders, which can be affected or worsened by intestinal disorders.
Nutritionist Meenu Balaji from Pragmatic Nutrition Center (Chennai, India) added that although the temperature of the hands cannot be used to diagnose the disease, some of the following signs can also suggest gut health:
Cold hands: Can be associated with poor circulation, hypothyroidism or autonomic neuropathy, sometimes found in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Warm, red hands: Can be associated with digestive problems, hyperthyroidism or diseases related to the nervous system - hormones.
sweating on the hands: This condition is called increased sweating secretion, which can be caused by diabetes, thyroid disorders or side effects of medication.
Dry, itchy palms: Can be associated with digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, liver disease, thyroid disease, and skin allergies.
Although it is not possible to replace medical testing methods, observing temperature and hand condition can be a useful suggestion for both patients and health experts, thereby supporting the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal disorders more effectively.
