The Hidden Summer Triggers You Might Be Missing

Let me guess: you’re drinking your water, watching what you eat, maybe even skipping the beer at the barbecue… and your joints still feel like they’re staging a protest.

Summer has a way of making you feel like you’re doing everything “right” — and still getting it wrong. It’s not just about dehydration or whether you’re moving too much (or not enough). Sometimes, it’s the sneaky, hidden triggers messing with your pain — things you’d never even think to look for.

Let’s take a look at a few of those — and how to outsmart them.

☀️ 1. Your Sunscreen Might Be Doing More Than Blocking UV

You probably don’t think twice about putting on sunscreen before heading outside — and you shouldn’t. But what you might not realize is that some sunscreens contain ingredients that can stir up inflammation, especially if your body’s already dealing with joint or nerve discomfort.

Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate are a few common ones. When they break down in the sun, they can damage your skin cells — and that kind of damage can trigger more inflammation throughout your body. On top of that, they absorb into your system, which can make an already sensitive or inflamed system feel worse.

✅ What to do instead:

Look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re gentler, sit on top of the skin, and are less likely to mess with your system — especially when the summer heat is already doing enough of that.

🧃 2. “Healthy” Summer Drinks That Aren’t Helping

Okay, maybe it’s not such a secret — but without even realizing it, we probably drink a lot more sugary drinks in the summer. Sometimes we just need a little reminder to ease up on the sweet stuff.

Like smoothies? I’m a sucker for them. Love ’em. But sometimes they pack way more sugar than you’d guess — doing a lot more harm than good, especially when you’re just trying to stay hydrated.

✅ What to do instead:

I’m not going to tell you to avoid sugar altogether — we’ve gotta live a little, right? But here’s a simple trick: Drink a glass of plain water after every sugary drink to flush out the sugar and keep your system balanced. And better yet, make your own smoothies at home so you know exactly what’s going in.

Here’s a quick recipe I use:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ cup frozen berries

• 1 handful spinach

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• A few ice cubes

Blend it up, and you’ve got a tasty, low-sugar drink that actually helps instead of hurts.

💊 3. Supplements You Didn’t Know Could Be Sneaky Purine Sources

Lots of us take supplements to feel better, build strength, or support our joints — and that’s great. But some supplements, especially protein powders, collagen, or even certain vitamins, can sneak in hidden purines. Purines break down into uric acid, and that’s the last thing you want if you’re battling gout or joint pain.

Sometimes, supplements are made with animal organ extracts, yeast, or glandulars, which can push your uric acid levels higher without you realizing it.

Our Lifetones Uric Acid Support products? They’re different. Made with just six natural herbs—no hidden additives, no organ extracts, no yeast—just clean, simple support to help keep uric acid in check.

✅ What to do:

Check your supplement labels carefully. Avoid anything listing yeast extract, glandulars, or organ meats. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider to find out exactly what’s inside.

🚶 4. Doing Too Much—or Too Little—Can Both Spark Flares

Summer’s tricky. Some days are just way too hot, and you don’t want to do anything. So you don’t. And then what happens? A flare-up from slow circulation or stiff joints.

But other days? The weather’s bearable — even nice. You go out, take a walk on the beach, do some gardening, play football with the grandkids in the backyard. And then what happens? You still get a flare-up!

It’s like you can’t win. And yeah, it’s frustrating.

✅ What to do:

Think of it like Goldilocks — not too much, not too little. Find your “just right” pace each day. Try breaking up your movement into smaller chunks: a short walk in the morning (when it's typically a little cooler), some light stretching midday, and maybe a gentle stretch or yoga in the evening.

Summer’s full of ups and downs when you’re managing gout or joint pain. The heat, the activity, the little surprises can all throw you off. But knowing what to watch for can help you take control instead of feeling stuck.

Keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a little extra support.

Brandon