Did you know your palms can share valuable insights about your tummy? Yes, you read that right. Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, told indianexpress.com that the temperature of our hands may offer indirect yet meaningful insights into our gut health, particularly through its influence on circulation, thermoregulation, and autonomic nervous system balance. In fact, emerging scientific evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining core body temperature.
“For instance, animal studies have demonstrated that disruptions to gut bacteria—such as through antibiotic use—can lead to a measurable drop in body temperature, indicating that the gut may function as a kind of internal thermostat. While this research primarily focuses on internal temperature regulation, the warmth or coldness of extremities like the hands can be an external manifestation of underlying physiological states, including those linked to gut health,” she explained.
Warm vs cold hands: which is better?
According to Deepalakshmi, consistently warm hands are generally considered a sign of good peripheral circulation, efficient thermoregulation, and a well-balanced autonomic nervous system, all of which are influenced by a healthy gut. On the other hand, persistently cold hands may reflect poor blood flow, heightened stress response, or metabolic dysregulation—conditions that could be exacerbated by gut imbalances or dysbiosis.
From an integrative or holistic health perspective, she said that hand temperature is sometimes viewed as a reflection of energy flow and emotional state, with cold hands potentially indicating emotional constriction or nervous system overdrive, and warm hands suggesting openness, vitality, and equilibrium.
What does the temperature of your hand indicate about your gut health? (Source: Freepik)
Meenu Balaji, chief nutritionist at Pragmatic Nutrition, Chennai, said that while the temperature of hands is said to be associated with digestive issues, it can be due to various other factors, too. She shared these four markers as key indicators:
1. Cold hands: They might indicate poor blood circulation or issues like thyroid function. In some people with IBS, cold hands may be caused by autonomic dysfunction, but they are not due to IBS.
2. Warm Hands: Warm, reddish skin may be related to digestive issues. It can also be caused by hyperthyroidism and other conditions like fibromyalgia, neuroendocrine, or mast cell issues. Other reasons include warm weather, exercise, and high blood pressure.
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3. Sweaty hands: This is a condition called hyperhidrosis, caused by overactive sweat glands. It can also be caused by health issues like diabetes and thyroid disorders, or taking certain medicines.
4. Dry Itchy Palms: You may have dry itchy palms from gut-related issues like constipation, bloating, and diarrhoea. It can also be from liver disease, thyroid disorders, skin allergies, or infections.
While hand temperature alone is not a diagnostic marker for gut health, it can serve as a valuable observational cue, especially when considered alongside other symptoms such as digestive disturbances, fatigue, or stress-related issues. Both experts agree that healthcare professionals can consider these signs in the context of a broader clinical assessment to identify potential disruptions in gut function and recommend appropriate lifestyle, dietary, or therapeutic interventions.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
