UNDER THE WEATHER
The weather here in Northeast Ohio has always been a wild ride. However, it seems to have become even wilder in the past few years. Today, we are looking at snow, wind, and 21 degrees; in less than 48 hours, it will be 65 with spring showers. And then back to 40 degrees with a wintry mix. We pride ourselves on being hearty and tough…but even for us, this has been a little much.
If the weather is making you feel “under the weather,” you are not alone. There is a good reason for it. Your body makes big adjustments to accommodate different weather conditions. Here are a few ways your body adjusts to weather changes:
Your blood flow is affected. Blood vessels tighten, and the heart has to work harder to push blood through narrowed arteries and veins in the winter. Our blood also thickens in cold weather. Conversely, blood thins and blood pressure lowers in warmer weather. Ideally, cold weather shifts to warm weather gradually, and vice versa. But not here in Cleveland. And that is why you feel it.
Dramatic temperature fluctuations can affect the immune system. Many doctors will tell you there is truth to the notion that more viruses occur with big swings in temperature. The stress lowers the ability of the immune system to fight off illness.
Changes in humidity affect skin and mucous membranes. Does your skin become dry in the winter? Does your nose run more? Your body has trouble adapting so quickly to rapid changes in moisture.
Changes in barometric pressure can decrease the pressure of oxygen in the blood. Migraines are very common with big storm systems. Weather changes can also cause joint pain, sinus pain and headaches.
So the question is, what can we do to mitigate the effects of Mother Nature? Hydration is extremely important to blood flow, so that is a good place to start. Recommendations vary, but many suggest a baseline of half your body weight in ounces of water per day (i.e. if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 oz. of water.) This must be adjusted if you exercise rigorously or live/work in a very dry climate.
Another suggestion is to use a humidifier to keep your mucous membranes and skin moist, so it is not such a massive change when the weather warms. Supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc can help support your battered immune system. And Magnesium Threonate and Riboflavin can help prevent and lessen the effects of migraines.
The bottom line? The weather does affect all of us in many different ways. It is the price we pay for living in a unique place. We have plenty of water, no threat of hurricanes and no drought. And wouldn’t 75 degrees and sunshine every day get a little boring?
