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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
If you can't tolerate ice-cold water, even cold water or sucking on a small ice cube can help.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Have you ever felt your leg start shaking uncontrollably, leaving you wondering if it's just a muscle twitch or something more serious? The good news is that clonus in MS is manageable! Read about what clonus in MS looks like and how to tackle it effectively here.
Looking for the perfect gift to show someone you care while supporting their MS journey? Whether you’re treating yourself or giving loved ones some helpful ideas, here is a list of MS-approved gifts that add a little more ease and joy to your days. Trust me, there is something for everyone on here!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
%20(1).png)
As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com