How a Change in Season Affects the Body

  • Seasons

  4 Min Read

A change of season can be quite a shock to your body.

In reality, scientists don't really know why our bodies respond so strongly to seasonal changes. Some studies suggest that climatic variations in temperature, humidity and pressure levels could influence the neurotransmitters in the body. In addition to that, when the winter and summer, the coldest and the hottest seasons, there are hormonal changes in the body in anticipation of the changes.

Also, you should not underestimate the effect of daylight saving and the effect that it has you - it basically tricks the body into experiencing extended daylight hours. Seasonal changes can bring about symptoms which include tiredness, weakness, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, drowsiness, gastric disturbances and general malaise.

All of these symptoms are alarm bells that your body feels unprepared for the changes, and that it has been taken by surprise. This can, among other things, lead to something called “intestinal dysbiosis" (imbalance of the normal intestinal bacterial flora). 1, 2, 3

Let’s take a look at the common bodily symptoms you could experience during a change of season:

Anxiety and Irritability

Both are linked to the activity of the serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of your mood. Up to 70% of the serotonin in your body is housed in the gut. 3

Insomnia

This is the result of low production of melatonin, a hormone which helps you to fall asleep. Your serotonin levels also play a role in this daily process. Both of these are directly affected by the change in seasons. 4

Gastric Disorders

These are common, and they are often the result of having to adapt to a seasonal change. This change can stimulate important nerve and hormonal pathways, and this can lead to excess acid levels in the stomach. If you have dysbiosis on top of this, this can lead to a poor immune response and the worsening of the symptoms mentioned above. 5

LEARN MORE ABOUT GUT DISORDERS

How to remedy the symptoms of a change in season

There is no real ‘quick fix’ that can stop seasonal changes from affecting your autoimmune system in some way or another. All you can do is to wait out the changes, and take precautionary measures to delay or prevent the onset of most symptoms. You can help this process along by incorporating a quality probiotic supplement into your daily routine, starting at least three weeks prior to the seasonal shift.

In addition to a daily probiotic, the activities listed below can also lessen the severity of the symptoms associated with seasonal changes:

Proper nutrition

Following a nutritionally healthy daily diet. 6

Being active

Using physical activity to combat fatigue and stress. 7

Quality sleep

Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep every night. 8

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