5 tips to beat the heat this summer
As the hottest months of the year slither in, it’s important to keep our bodies cool and hydrated. But that doesn’t only mean confining yourself and your family in air-conditioned malls all summer long! We’ve put together five easy and simple precautions you can take to beat the heat this summer. Read on to find out what they are:
Add a kick to your dishes
Have you ever wondered why spicy food is often native to countries in hot climates like India and Mexico? That’s because the tingling sensation and sweat you often feel after eating spicy foods actually works to cool your body down.
So next time you order Nando’s, make sure you go for that “hot” option. It may just be your saviour in the summer heat.
Eat your liquids
Did you know that 20% of our water intake actually comes from solid food? That’s because many fruits and vegetables are mostly made up of water.
For example, the water content of watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, lettuce, and celery is between 90 to 99%. Not a fan of greens, no problem: you can still get hydrated by eating cottage cheese or ricotta cheese– which contains 70-79% water, and lean meats like chicken and salmon – containing 60-60% water.
Drink responsibly
Look, we know a beach holiday isn’t complete for many without an ice cold Piña Colada. But when it’s scorching hot on that sandy beach, it’s worth noting that while that cocktail may seem refreshing at first, alcohol is actually a diuretic, which means it dehydrates your body by expelling liquids from your bloodstream and kidneys at a quicker pace than normal (ie. more frequent trips to the toilet).
That isn’t to say you need to quit your favourite beverage cold turkey over the hot summer months. We recommend drinking a large glass of water for every glass of alcohol you consume to balance out its dehydrating effect.
Stay shady
In addition to avoiding the appearance of brown spots, wrinkles, and the most dreaded of all – burning – staying in the shade actually plays a key role in keeping you cool. In fact, staying out of the sun helps keep your body temperature up to 10°C cooler. This means that your body doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your temp regulated, avoiding heat exhaustion and heat strokes.
If you absolutely must stay in the sun, whether it’s due to your profession or your duty to keep an eye on your energetic toddler, make sure to keep your head cool with a hat, and your face protected with lots of sunscreen.
Make water your best friend
Last but certainly not least, drinking water regularly throughout the day should be top of your to-do list.
Whether you’re out and about, chilling at the beach, or even at work, keeping your body hydrated by drinking at least 8-12 ounces a day – that’s around 8-12 glasses – replenishes all that you have lost through sweat.
Want to know just how hydrated (or dehydrated) your body is? Use your urine as your hydration measure. If it runs clear, then you’re drinking enough water. If you see a medium to dark shade of yellow, get your drinking on! Our favourite way to stay hydrated throughout the day is by always carrying a reusable water bottle around.
Stay cool – stay hydrated!