Table of contents:
- Causes of hand tremors
- 1. Anxiety
- 2. Too much caffeine consumption
- 3. Consumption of alcohol
- 4. Hypoglycemia
- 5. Lack of vitamin B1 and magnesium
- 6. Thyroid gland disorders
- 7. Essential tremor
- 8. Parkinson's disease
- 9.Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- 10. Genetic factors
Have you ever had a hard time taking a selfie just because your hands were shaking because your photo was out of focus? Or, have you ever had difficulty writing because your hands were shaking? If so, you may be experiencing tremors. Hand tremors are not life-threatening, however, shaky hands can certainly interfere with daily activities. But, what causes the hands to tremble uncontrollably?
Causes of hand tremors
The following are some of the possible causes for your trembling hands:
1. Anxiety
Strong emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, or panic can cause your hands to tremble. Hence, to reduce shaking hands you need to try herbal teas which can reduce stress and have a calming effect on the body. Alternatively, you can also use aromatherapy, or do yoga and deep breathing to reduce anxiety levels and prevent trembling hands.
2. Too much caffeine consumption
Caffeine in coffee, tea and soft drinks can stimulate the brain to produce the hormone adrenaline. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people who consume caffeinated drinks can stay awake at night. Unfortunately, excess caffeine consumption can disrupt your body's coordination system and cause your hands to shake.
3. Consumption of alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can have a negative effect on the central nervous system, causing shaking hands. A study published by Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatryfound that drinking three units of alcohol a day doubled the risk of essential tremor.
4. Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make your hands shake because the nerves and muscles are losing fuel. One of the causes of hypoglycemia is low sugar in your blood. To increase your blood sugar and stop shaking hands, you need about 15 to 20g of sugar, as found in half a cup of soda, two tablespoons of raisins or four teaspoons of honey.
5. Lack of vitamin B1 and magnesium
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is essential for nerve stimulation as well as for the metabolism of carbohydrates that provide the brain with energy. Adequate intake of vitamin B1 can reduce the occurrence of hand tremors and calm the nervous system, because nerve cells need vitamin B1 to function normally. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause your hands to shake.
To increase your intake of vitamin B1 you can consume fish, poultry, eggs and milk. And for magnesium intake, you can consume dark green vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, or nuts.
6. Thyroid gland disorders
Hyperthyroidism, or "overactive thyroid", is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. These glands are in your neck, just above your collarbone. When the thyroid gland is overactive, your whole body will work fast which can cause you to have trouble sleeping, your heart may beat faster, and your hands may shake.
7. Essential tremor
One of the most common causes of trembling hands is tremors. Tremors are uncontrolled and uncontrollable movements in one or more parts of your body. Tremors usually occur because the part of the brain that controls muscles has a problem that causes shaking in the body. The most commonly affected parts of the body are the hands. The cause of tremors can be due to genetic, environmental, or age factors.
Although tremors do not cause more serious complications and are not life-threatening. However, tremors can develop to get worse over time due to stress, fatigue, or excessive caffeine consumption. In fact, studies have found that tremors can increase the risk of developing dementia.
8. Parkinson's disease
Tremors are an early sign of Parkinson's disease. Usually, Parkinson's occurs in people who are over 65 years of age. And although the sign of Parkison's disease and essential tremor is shaking hands, there are differences between the two. People with essential tremor will tremble if they shake their hands, while those with Parkinson's will always tremble even when their hands are still.
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by tremors and shaking, facial weakness and paralysis. This occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are destroyed. Without dopamine, nerve cells cannot send messages leading to loss of muscle function.
9.Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) or also known as multiple sclerosis (multiple) is a progressive disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective nerve membrane or myelin in the brain and spinal cord. This disease, which targets your immune system, brain, nerves, and spinal cord, can actually make your hands shake or essential tremor.
10. Genetic factors
A study found that people who have a family history of tremors or Parkinson's have a 5% higher risk of experiencing tremors or Parkinson's.