If you’re someone with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder, you might notice that you have a hard time with temperature regulation.
Some people with hEDS or HSD find it challenging to get and stay warm, especially during the winter months.
Hypermobility can present temperature regulation challenges for many reasons. These include altered autonomic nervous system activity, circulation differences, movement restrictions, craniocervical instability, vertebral subluxations, mast cell activation, and structural and functional differences in connective tissue.
Keep reading to get some tips that many of my hypermobile clients and I use to warm up!
External Heat Sources for Ehlers-Danlos Temperature Regulation
Layers of warm but breathable clothes and blankets and sometimes using a hat and gloves (even fingerless gloves!) at home are often the easiest solutions. During the winter months, you will often find me wearing a warm hat while working on my computer. Wool socks, fur/faux fur-lined slippers, leg warmers, scarves, shawls, etc., are fantastic. Play with colors, textures, and aesthetics so that dressing for comfort also stimulates your creativity and enhance your self-expression.
Hot water bottles are helpful and can go on the lap, near the feet, or placed behind the back while sitting in a chair. Use electric heating pads and blankets with caution. They can be useful when used safely.
Warming Foods and Drinks
Try starting your day with hot ginger tea. This tea is easy to make from fresh ginger root or bought in individual tea bags. To make fresh tea, simply cut ginger into thin slices and boil for about 10 minutes. Proportions can vary based on how strong you’d like your tea!
Consume warm foods throughout the day, such as broths, stocks, soups, and herbal tea. Consider using a slow cooker to prepare a warm breakfast in the evening that you can consume in the morning. It can be helpful not to fuss around the kitchen preparing food if you wake up chilled. Click here for some ideas to inspire you.
Some herbs and spices are warming by nature. Incorporate these into your daily cooking.
Ginger
Fennel
Chamomile
Cardamom
Cloves
Nutmeg
Turmeric + black pepper in combination with fats (bring on the yellow curries and golden milk lattes!)
Cinnamon
Cayenne pepper
Note: Be aware of any worsening of symptoms such as dry skin or dry mouth, as some of these herbs can also be drying. Ginger and chamomile both help to modulate mast cell activity. Cinnamon helps balance the immune system. As always, avoid anything that causes allergic or other symptoms.
Move Your Body to Stay Warm
Movement is excellent for circulation and warmth. Dancing to your favorite music, rebounding, skipping rope, swimming in a heated pool, and any other type of exercise you enjoy will keep you warm and help you get stronger, too. Going on a short walk can increase blood flow and help to warm the body! If you struggle with frequent injury or must limit how much you move due to fear of injury, work with a physical therapist who can guide you through safe, individualized movements for your specific situation.
If you have questions or would like more support with your hypermobile condition, I’m here to help. You can learn more about working with me here.