How Summer Heat and Humidity Trigger My IBS Symptoms

My body has always been vulnerable to fluctuations in the weather.

In particular, my chronic pain and GI issues both tend to flare when I am exposed to weather extremes on either end. However, it's heat and humidity that really does me in, more than the cold.

I am actually one of those people who isn't a huge fan of summer and breathes a sigh of relief when the first crisp evenings of autumn finally arrive. And I actually prefer winter to summer!

When my IBS worsened in the heat, I wondered if I was the only one

I live in New England, and right now we're in the middle of a heatwave accompanied by high humidity. Not even a full day into this oppressive weather pattern and my gut is not feeling great.

It's always been this way, even before I had full-blown IBS. But once I did develop IBS, summers were even worse for me health-wise. In fact, some of my worst bouts of IBS occurred during the summer. I began to wonder if these heat flares were a common thread for others with similar or the same diagnoses, or if it was something more unique to my own physical make-up.

What does others say about the connection between IBS and heat?

A quick Google search showed I am not alone. Many people attest to feeling worse and having symptom flares with increased heat and humidity. These definitely seems to be triggers for many IBS patients.

The gut is home to most of the body's serotonin, and humidity levels impact serotonin levels. Researchers still note people prone to arthritis and migraines tend to complain that in general they experience increased inflammation and pain in the rise of humidity.¹

While studies have been inconclusive, they have also been minimal (and don't tend to analyze female patients, who suffer disproportionately from IBS and other pain conditions.)

My tips for managing IBS symptoms in a heatwave

The jury is out on the correlation and reasoning, and clinical studies surrounding this are limited. But at least for me, I know my body has a tough time during this weather. So, when the thermostat rises, I'm sure to:

1. Be extra cautious about what I eat (and when)
2. Avoid overexerting myself
3. Keep cool as best I can
4. Eat much lighter through smaller meals and snacking (I'm somewhat careful about my diet already)
5. Aggressively avoid trigger foods

I also stay indoors and out of the sun during peak hours, waiting until evening when it's cooled down. So, I stick to home or go to a place with AC like a movie theater or art gallery. Basically, I take it really easy. By doing this I minimize, if not eliminate flares completely.

Do you experience flares during hot and humid weather? If so, what do you do to cope and manage your symptoms?