MS Protocols & Treatments
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MS spasticity making it difficult to tackle daily life? I want to help. Read my post to learn what MS spasticity is, plus a 6-step process to mitigate its symptoms here!
Are you feeling like you cannot get your body cool no matter how hard you try?
MS heat intolerance is a common yet often misunderstood symptom of MS. Many people aren't aware of what heat intolerance is or how to manage it, they just feel an overwhelming amount of warmth that makes it hard to take on daily activities. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can easily implement to help cool down your body and feel more comfortable.
Without any further introduction let's dive in and discuss what MS heat intolerance is, plus the effective strategies I recommend to my clients to keep their body cool.
What is Heat Intolerance?
Heat intolerance occurs when your body's core temperature rises, leading to the worsening of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. It’s scientific term – Uhtoff’s Phenomenon – refers to how MS can affect the way your body regulates temperature, making you more sensitive to heat. When your core temperature increases, it can cause nerve fibers affected by MS to function improperly or slow down. This can result in the temporary worsening of symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, and vision problems.
It's important to note that heat intolerance isn't solely triggered by hot weather. Various factors can increase your core temperature, but understanding these triggers is crucial for managing heat intolerance effectively.
Recognizing MS Heat Intolerance
A few years ago, I had a client named Pam who experienced worsened MS symptoms like spasticity and fatigue. She thought her MS was progressing, but we discovered that she was actually experiencing heat intolerance. This can happen to anyone with MS, even if they haven't been affected by heat before. It's important to be aware that heat intolerance can develop at any time, but there are strategies to help mitigate its effect on your daily life.
I share this story for two reasons. First, it shows how being in touch with your body helps you understand your MS symptoms and make simple changes to feel more comfortable during the day. Second, while heat intolerance may feel daunting, you can tackle this change just like any other symptom of MS. You are never alone, and there is a community that wants to help you feel more comfortable.
Common Triggers of MS Heat Intolerance
So what causes heat intolerance? While everyone’s body is unique and reacts to certain scenarios differently, there are a few common scenarios that set off the need to cool down immediately.
Heat intolerance can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Outdoor temperatures: Hot weather can raise your core temperature.
- Stress: Physical, emotional, and mental stress can all contribute.
- Exercise: Physical activity, although beneficial, can increase body temperature.
- Warm showers: Even a warm shower can raise your core temperature.
- Movement: Any form of movement can have an impact.
- Illness: The flu, common cold, UTI, or any illness can increase your core temperature.
Check if any of these triggers are present when you notice your symptoms worsening. The first step is to diagnose when your body feels hot, so you can prepare to cool it down effectively. This way, you can pre-plan and take control of your symptoms, not let them control your life.
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Quick Fixes for MS Heat Intolerance
The good news is that heat intolerance usually has quick fixes. As you grow more comfortable learning how to cool down your body, it will be easier to reach for these solutions to help. I share this list as an initial guide to help you try strategies until you find the best one for you.
If you’re looking to see endless podcasts, exercises, and support for your MS symptoms, check out my YouTube channel – Dr. Gretchen Hawley – for additional guidance. I walk through every scenario imaginable with solutions to help you get back into the driver’s seat of your life.
1. Sip Ice-Cold Water
Drinking ice-cold water can immediately help cool your core temperature. That being said, another common MS symptom is incontinence, so take small sips rather than drinking a full glass.
Here’s when I recommend using this strategy to mitigate MS heat intolerance:
- Before Exercise: Sip ice cold water 10-15 minutes before starting.
- During Exercise: Sip during rest breaks.
- After Exercise: Continue sipping cold water after you finish.
If you can't tolerate ice-cold water, even cold water or sucking on a small ice cube can help.
2. Use Cooling Products
There are endless cooling products available online. Here is a list of what my clients have used to help their heat intolerance:
Choose a product that you will actually use regularly. For instance, a client of mine, Susan, used a fabric necklace that she could wet and freeze. It looked stylish and kept her cool. The key is to find something practical that can easily fit into your everyday life.
Other Tips to Stay Cool
These tips I wouldn’t classify as a “quick fix”, but are really helpful to have in your back pocket. MS heat intolerance can flare up with both internal and external stimuli, so keep these tips in mind if you just cannot get cool:
- Cold Showers: Take a cold shower to lower your core temperature. This is a full-proof solution to feel cool if your heat intolerance just cannot go away.
- Stress Reduction: This is a longer, daily practice to help prevent stress-induced heat intolerance. Meditation, breathing, or other calming activities distract the mind to get back to its normal state.
By proactively using these tips, you can often prevent symptoms from worsening. If you do experience heat intolerance, these strategies can help alleviate symptoms quickly, typically within 5 to 30 minutes.
Heat Intolerance Should Not Keep You from Taking on Everyday Life.
Managing heat intolerance is essential for those with MS to feel like they can go about their daily lives without setbacks. Fortunately, there are a TON of strategies to test out and see how your body reacts. With patience, you’ll find the perfect solution that works for you.
If you're looking to receive a wealth of information from me (plus many other MS specialists!), read my book: The MSing Link. This guide is specifically meant to make the symptoms of MS feel more manageable, allowing you to take back control and live life to the fullest.
Do you have any further questions on how to reduce MS heat intolerance? Please let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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