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This happens often: one day it’s cold and drizzly and the next day the sun comes out and you start sweating as soon as you go outside. However, not all people react the same way to drastic changes in temperature.
The effects of weather events remind us that we are part of nature and that our health largely depends on how we adapt to changes in our environment. A cardiologist explains why this is and what can be done to avoid getting sick.
Why are some people unable to tolerate changes in weather well?
Cardiologist Andreas Hofschneider explains that atmospheric pressure and humidity can fluctuate significantly in mountainous areas, while on the coast the weather can change rapidly. This is noticeable in the bodies of many people, who feel more tired than usual, have disrupted sleep and do not feel well. Sometimes circulatory problems and headaches may appear.
Why some people are more sensitive to these changes and what happens at the cellular level are questions that science has not yet been able to definitively answer.
One possible explanation is that, if it was very cold and it suddenly becomes hot, the blood vessels dilate and the pressure drops. People who are not well trained may experience changes in circulation in this case.
Who is especially affected by the weather?
The expert said that the most affected people are usually the elderly. People who suffer from migraine or tension headaches also react particularly sensitively to changes in weather.
On the other hand, in the case of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, changes in climate can lead to relapses.
Importantly, Hofschneider says, drink enough fluids, Furthermore, as a cardiologist, he recommends walking and playing sports throughout the year, as this strengthens the immune system. It is also useful to take foot baths alternately with hot and cold water.
This already helps a lot. However, this does not mean that the body does not react more to changes in temperature later on. Unfortunately it’s not that simple.