The summer heat can feel like a debilitating opponent when you’re managing multiple sclerosis (MS). The sun’s rays might feel like it’s causing another flare than a source of warmth and light. Does the thought of another sweltering day leave you feeling anxious and drained?
It’s okay to feel this way. You might be wondering if there’s a way to enjoy summer without it wiping you out completely. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit defeated when the heat ramps up and your symptoms get worse. That frustration, that sense of dread—you’re not alone in this.
I used to feel like this. I dreaded the summer heat knowing that my body would shut down. It would take hours for my body to recover. I would only go outside during the early mornings when it was cooler. I spent most of the summer indoors avoiding going outside.
But what if I told you there are ways to face the summer heat with a little more ease? Imagine stepping outside without fear, feeling prepared and empowered instead of overwhelmed. It’s possible.
How do I know? Because I reversed my heat intolerance! I can now stay outdoors even on 100° F days! It is such a relief not to worry if I might get overheated. Below learn practical cooling tips for a cooler, more comfortable lifestyle when living with MS.
Ready? Let’s begin.
How to Stay Cool This Summer
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Staying cool in the summer can feel like a constant battle when you’re living with MS. The heat can be relentless, but with a few handy tips, you can turn the tables. Stay cool and in control this summer with these expert cooling tips and tricks.
Ready to beat the heat? Here are some cooling tips:
- Hydrate Like a Pro. Water is your best friend. Drink it all day long. Toss in some ice cubes for extra chill. Don’t like plain ol’ water? Try adding cucumber or mint for a refreshing twist. People with MS tend to back off on drinking water due to bladder issues. Don’t be one of these people!
- Dress the Part. Light, breathable fabrics are key. Think cotton and linen. Loose-fitting clothes let your skin breathe. Stick to light colors—they reflect the sun rather than absorb it. Organic cotton clothing is best to avoid fire retardants.
- Cool Your Core. Ever heard of cooling vests or neck wraps? They’re game-changers. Slip one on before heading out. It’s a cool relief when temperatures are rising.
- Seek Shade. When outside, make shade your go-to spot. Use umbrellas, big floppy hats, or even a leafy tree. The shade is your refuge from the blazing sun.
- Chill Indoors. Crank up the A/C or use fans to keep the air moving. If you don’t have A/C, create a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the room. Place a big bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool it down more. – My mom used to do this when I was a kid.
- Time It Right. Plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are your best bet. Avoid the midday sun whenever possible. – The coolest part of the day is just before the sun rises.
- Cool Down Kits. Keep a cool-down kit handy. Fill it with damp washcloths, ice packs, or spray bottles. A quick spritz or a cold compress can work wonders.
- Exercise when it’s Cooler. Exercise in the morning when it’s cooler to keep your body from overheating. Don’t forget to drink water while exercising.
- Listen to Your Body. Pay attention to how you’re feeling. If you start to overheat, take a break. Find a cool spot and relax until you feel better.
I own a couple of Echo Devices and smart miniblind wands that work together. I programmed “Alexa” to close the blinds at a certain time in the afternoon to keep the sun from shining in and heating up our house. It’s extremely convenient. Plus, I don’t have to reach over the furniture to close them manually. – This is very helpful for people with mobility issues.
And here’s another cooling tip (pun intended): check out the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSSA). They provide free cooling products such as vests and bandanas for people diagnosed with MS. These products can help you stay cool during the hot months. It’s a fantastic resource to make sure you’re ready to handle the heat.
Here is a link to the MSAA Cooling Distribution Program: MSSA Cooling Distribution Program.
Summer doesn’t have to be your enemy. With these cooling tips, you can stay comfortable and in control. Embrace the season with confidence.
Reversing Heat Intolerance
So, you’re probably wondering how on Earth I reversed my heat intolerance. The funny thing is, I never thought reversing my heat intolerance was possible. But, after three months of starting my personal protocol, I was wrong. – My heat intolerance was gone!
I couldn’t believe it! I tested it several times by staying outdoors for 30 minutes or more in 100° F weather. The only reason I went back inside was because it was hot outside.
Protocol to Reverse MS Symptoms
Okay, enough talking. Here is the protocol I used to reverse several MS symptoms including heat intolerance. Remember, everyone is different so what worked for me may not work for you.
Here are some symptoms that disappeared thanks to this protocol:
- Heat intolerance
- Severe dry mouth (I used to have a hard time swallowing)
- Numbness in the back of my mouth
- Boot sensation on my feet
- My eyes blacking out when I turned my head
- A strange sensation someone had their hand on my head (I’ll blame it on MS) 😆
At that time I was following the Wahls Protocol, level two. Then I read the book Healing Multiple Sclerosis by Ann Boroch. Her diet was slightly different so I combined the two diets.
I continued to follow the Wahls Protocol with these changes following Ann Boroch’s recommendations:
- Avoided red meat, pork, tuna, and all shellfish. Cashews, pistachios, most fruit, kombucha, and vinegar. In the book it says you can still use apple cider vinegar but I didn’t include it. Also, honey, maple syrup, and chocolate.
- Ate all vegetables except corn, mushrooms, peas, and potatoes.
- Followed the recommended supplements in the Healing Multiple Sclerosis book.
About 2-3 weeks later I visited a functional medicine provider. He recommended certain supplements so I switched. I continued to take vitamin C and vitamin E, as the book recommended. About three months later I noticed my heat intolerance was gone!
Don’t Fear Fruit
I’ve learned a lot since then and now I eat all fruit. My son is a type 1 diabetic, an autoimmune disease, when his blood sugar is low he doesn’t eat fresh fruit instead he drinks fruit juices. Fruit has fiber which helps maintain blood levels, fruit juices don’t have fiber so they quickly raise blood sugar levels.
Fruit isn’t just delicious; it’s healing, too. They are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, phytonutrients, and hydration. Fruit can be a real game-changer for your health.
Think of fruit as nature’s candy with a powerful punch. Berries, citrus, and melons not only boost your immune system but also help keep you hydrated. Feeling run down? A juicy piece of fruit can be just the pick-me-up you need. Plus, those natural sugars give you a quick energy boost without the crash. So, next time you need a snack, reach for some fruit and let it work its magic.
Fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices are what’s going to heal your body. Blueberries benefit the brain. Wild blueberries have two times more antioxidants than conventionally grown blueberries. – Eat these every day!
Like fruit, don’t be afraid to eat honey or pure maple syrup. Raw honey’s antioxidants fight inflammation and boost immunity. It’s also great for digestion, thanks to its natural enzymes. It’s an antibacterial, antifungal, and parasitic. So, next time you’re looking for a sweetener, reach for raw honey and enjoy its many benefits.
Pure maple syrup is also rich in antioxidants. It helps combat inflammation and it supports your immune system. Pure maple syrup has essential minerals like zinc and manganese, beneficial for MS. It’s also lower on the glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly. Plus, its natural sweetness can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. So, when sweetening meals, pure maple syrup offers a tasty, nutritious alternative. Try roasting different vegetables such as Brussels sprouts with pure maple syrup – it’s delicious!
Avoid These Foods
Being mindful of what you eat can significantly impact your health. Certain foods can exacerbate symptoms or introduce unwanted toxins into your system. Take vinegar for example, while it might add zest to your meals, it can dehydrate you. Plus, it hinders your body’s ability to flush out toxins, crucial for staying well-hydrated.
You should already be avoiding milk chocolate but you should also avoid dark chocolate. Dark chocolate, a beloved treat, often contains heavy metals like cadmium and lead. Pork is another food to be cautious about. It’s high in fat, which can be taxing on your system. It’s also prone to parasites, posing additional health risks.
When it comes to seafood, be particularly wary of larger fish such as king mackerel and tuna. These fish can contain high levels of mercury, which is a neurotoxin. Avoid all farm-raised fish. These fish live in crowded conditions which breed algae, parasites, and disease. Fish farmers cope with this by giving the fish antibiotics and treating the water with toxic chemicals.
Eat Healthy
Navigating diet choices can feel overwhelming. – Believe me, I’ve been there! However, making smart decisions can profoundly impact your health and well-being. Avoid vinegar, chocolate, pork, and larger fish to protect against toxins and risks. Instead, choose foods that heal and fight pathogens such as viruses.
During the hotter weather stay hydrated, and dress appropriately. Go outside in the cooler mornings and stay indoors during the hot afternoons. Use cooling vests if needed when going outside. Avoid cooking over a hot stove by eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
Try this simple recipe: spiralized zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes, avocado, basil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the dressing.
These simple steps can make a world of difference in how you handle the summer heat.
Remember, it’s all about making choices that make you feel your best. Whether it’s tweaking your diet or finding new ways to stay cool, every small change adds up. You’ve got the tools and knowledge to take charge and thrive, no matter what the season throws at you.
Embrace these tips and enjoy a healthier, cooler, and more comfortable summer. You’ve got this!
Cooling Tips for MS
If you have heat intolerance staying cool this summer will make a big difference. By planning ahead and using these simple cooling tips you can prevent MS symptoms from getting worse.
Don’t let the heat bring you down. Simple changes, like finding shade, planning outdoor activities in the early morning or late evening, and keeping cool packs handy, can keep you feeling your best. Staying cool is key to managing MS symptoms and staying in control. With these tips, you can embrace the summer with confidence and comfort.
You can see which supplements I took to reverse many of my MS symptoms by filling out this form:
Reversing Multiple Sclerosis
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Survive Summer with MS: Cooling Tips You Need to Know
