Why is my chronic illness and pain worse this time of year?
As we move into autumn, the temperature drops, there is less daylight and our vital energy gets zapped. For many, this can exacerbate symptoms of chronic illness and/or pain. But why?
Less Daylight means Less Vitamin D
As days grow shorter and nights grow longer, we receive less vitamin D from the sun’s warm rays. People afflicted with chronic illness often need to supplement that missing Vitamin D. When buying supplements, pay attention to the type of Vitamin D you choose. Compared to Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3 is more easily absorbed by the body. For my patients in need of Vitamin D supplements, I usually recommend a combination of Fish Oils and Vitamin D3.
Hot vs Cold Foods
Yummy, cooling salads and fruits of summer are no longer serving us. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the same mechanism that keeps us warm also creates digestive fire. Eating cold or raw foods creates an additional burden on this system and depletes a lot of energy in the body. Opt for soup over salad to nourish your body in in colder months.
Warm Hydration
Like salads, cold beverages should be minimized in Fall and Winter. I have a number of patients tell me they increase their coffee intake during the Winter in part because they just need a warm drink. Consider herbal teas, warm water with lemon or warm broths in lieu of coffee to be sure your warm beverage also provides hydration. Ginger and Tumeric tea is particularly wonderful this time of year.Seasonal SleepHave you ever noticed how pets sleep more in the winter compared to the summer? Like our pets, our bodies are wired this way. We are not separate from the world around us and experience the natural cycles of the seasons along with Mother Nature. As daylight decreases, our bodies naturally crave slightly more sleep.As the holidays and New Year approaches, many of us face increasing work, family and social commitments. These additional demands cause many of us to get less sleep the very time of year when we actually require more.
Dress for the Weather
As the temperature drops, many people experience more stiffness, tightness and pain in their bodies. Dressing warmly, layering and choosing clothing made from warm, moisture-wicking fabrics (ex. wool, cashmere, down and fleece) can go a long way in keeping temperature related pain at bay.Hats, gloves and scarves are critical for chronic pain sufferers. Circulation to the extremities is often compromised in cold weather, as the body naturally prioritizes the warmth of our vital organs. It’s never too early in the season to start wearing gloves to keep hands warm, especially those with arthritis. Scarves are not just a fashion accessory, wearing them both indoors and outdoors can help keep neck and shoulders warm, reducing pain.