Are You a Meteopath? Symptoms That Weather Changes Can Cause

Meteopathy, or meteoropathy, is a very common condition. Experts from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) report that as many as 50-70% of people aged 18 to 75 are affected by meteopathy. Although meteopathy is not a disease, it can affect anyone at any time in their life. The elderly, those with chronic illnesses, those who are overworked, and those living under constant stress are particularly susceptible. In this article, we offer suggestions on how to cope with the impact of weather on human health.

Meteopath – who exactly is that?

A meteoropath is someone who is exceptionally sensitive to changes in weather and atmospheric conditions. Such a person may experience a variety of physical ailments, such as headaches, migraines , or changes in well-being related to weather changes, such as changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity, temperature, or phenomena like wind or storms. For meteoropaths, such changes can cause headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and even depression. Meteopathy is often associated with other chronic conditions that exacerbate the body's response to weather conditions.

Symptoms of meteopathy, or sensitivity to weather changes

The prevailing climate in Poland, especially autumnal weather changes, favors meteorological problems. Among the main symptoms a meteorologist may observe are:

• pressure surges,
• feeling tired,
• excessive sleepiness,
• problems with concentration,
• unjustified nervousness,
• headaches, migraines,
• deterioration of mood,
• deepening of depression,
• swelling of the hands and feet.

In addition to those mentioned above, symptoms can be much more severe, as changes in atmospheric conditions can exacerbate symptoms in a meteoropath suffering from any medical condition. For example, if a meteoropath suffers from rheumatic conditions, they may experience them more acutely. Doctors also point to a link between weather changes and the occurrence of heart attacks. Pressure fluctuations exacerbate circulatory problems, and rising humidity leads to lower blood sugar levels. Meteopaths sometimes experience pain in the areas of old fractures or other injuries, or even post-operative scars.

Causes of meteopathy

The clear causes of meteopathies have not yet been scientifically identified. It is believed to be a weakened immune system, which is why these ailments are most often reported by the elderly, sick, overworked, and fatigued, living under constant stress. The impact of weather changes on well-being is much more noticeable in urban areas than in rural areas. Women under 50 are more likely to suffer from meteopathies than men (due to hormonal factors), and men over 50 are more likely to suffer from meteopathies. Changes in civilization and an unhealthy lifestyle are undoubtedly also causes of meteopathies.

Prevention of meteopathy

There's much we can do to reduce the risk of developing meteopathy or limit the severity of its symptoms. Proven ways to prevent these conditions include:

• regular physical activity in the fresh air,
• adequate amount of sleep,
• a properly balanced diet, easily digestible, rich in vitamins and minerals,
• hardening of the body: sauna, alternating hot and cold shower,
• vitamin D supplementation during the autumn-winter period,
• herbal infusions such as lemon balm, linden, ginseng, rhodiola rosea, St. John's wort, purple echinacea,
• drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks for headaches