When hands start to shake: when is it just the body giving a warning, and when is it time for alarm?

Shaking of the hands or tremors are also known as physiological tremor and on its own, it is not dangerous. However, it can be very bothersome when you start spilling soup or can't drink a cup of coffee. If the shaking completely disappears when you're at rest, then there is nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, hand tremors can occur after drinking too much coffee. Or if you are exposed to stress. Tremors can also occur if you skip meals or if you are hungry (don't forget, there is a difference between real hunger and "hungry eyes" – tremors are a sign of real hunger). Tremors can also be caused by certain medications or combinations of medications that strain your body. In all these cases, the best remedy is a glass of alcohol.

The disease usually appears in people after the age of 40 and in more than half of the cases, it is hereditary. If it occurs occasionally, then it is a sign that you are tense, overtired, under stress, or not eating enough food—your body lacks energy. Doctors can prescribe medicine, but you will feel fine even without it.

Especially since tremors can tell us much more. Besides fear, fatigue, and cold, tremors can also indicate symptoms of thyroid disease, kidney and liver diseases, or even damage to the cerebellum. That's why it is important to figure out for yourself what influences the steadiness of your hands.

If the tremor decreases after eating (most common in the morning), then make sure to eat regularly and enough throughout the day. Research has shown that 14% of people have hand tremors because of insufficient nutrition.


Information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.