According to NBC News, July was earth's hottest month on record since record-keeping began in 1880, So far, the heat doesn't seem to be letting up but here's some good news: there are steps you can take and foods you can eat to be more comfortable as we make our way to the cooler temperatures of fall.
One popular tip is to wear natural, breathable, light weight fabrics in whites and pastel colors. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen allow more airflow than synthetic materials. White and light pastel colors reflect more light rays and thus absorb fewer heatwaves than darker, morer heavily saturated colors. More popular tips include staying indoors during peek sunlight, and drinking lots of water. But did you know that what you put on your plate can also help you stay cool? Here are a few key foods that may be of interest.
Watermelon. This long-time summer favorite has zero fat, contains lots of lycopene, vitamins A and C, and is made-up of 90% water. (We explored this one last month, however this amazing superfood deserved a second look. Plus repetition is how we learn.)
Cantaloupe. Low in fat and high in potassium, melons are ideal in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disorders.
Honeydew. Low in calories and carbohydrates, melons are also helpful with weight loss and ridding our bodies of unwanted toxins.
Grapefruit & Oranges. Delicious to taste, citrus fruits are super foods that are high in vitamin C which promote healthy skin and a youthful appearance.
Lemons & Limes. Rich in phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, citrus fruits are also important to digestion as they assist in the breakdown of other rich fatty foods.
Cucumber. Cool and crunchy, cucumbers contain significant levels of vitamin B, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and other minerals, making it perfect for summer.
Radishes. Often overlooked, their beautiful reddish-purple exterior house high levels of vitamin C, high water content, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Leafy Greens. Butter lettuce, spinach and arugula to name a few, contain significant amounts of water and can thin the blood to assist your body in releasing heat.
Herbs & Spices. Fresh ginger, pepper and mint leaves may initially feel or taste warm but actually help cool you down. No wonder spicy foods are so common in hotter regions of the world.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Other water-rich foods include tomatoes, carrots, watercress, celery, broccoli, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, pomegranate, Thai coconut, and more.
In addition to fruits and veggies with high water content, what you drink also matters. Many symptoms of excess heat including dizziness, fatigue, and lack of concentration, are attributable to chronic dehydration. Sodas, sports and energy drinks – all high in sugar, caffeine and sodium – actually make dehydration worse. Extremely cold foods and drinks, like ice cream and ice coffees, can interfere with digestion and perspiration - the body’s natural cooling mechanism. Keeping fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential to staying cool and to overall healthy in general.
A cleaner digestive track is also helpful in keeping cool. Schedule your next appointment now. Stay cool and see you soon!
One popular tip is to wear natural, breathable, light weight fabrics in whites and pastel colors. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen allow more airflow than synthetic materials. White and light pastel colors reflect more light rays and thus absorb fewer heatwaves than darker, morer heavily saturated colors. More popular tips include staying indoors during peek sunlight, and drinking lots of water. But did you know that what you put on your plate can also help you stay cool? Here are a few key foods that may be of interest.
Watermelon. This long-time summer favorite has zero fat, contains lots of lycopene, vitamins A and C, and is made-up of 90% water. (We explored this one last month, however this amazing superfood deserved a second look. Plus repetition is how we learn.)
Cantaloupe. Low in fat and high in potassium, melons are ideal in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disorders.
Honeydew. Low in calories and carbohydrates, melons are also helpful with weight loss and ridding our bodies of unwanted toxins.
Grapefruit & Oranges. Delicious to taste, citrus fruits are super foods that are high in vitamin C which promote healthy skin and a youthful appearance.
Lemons & Limes. Rich in phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, citrus fruits are also important to digestion as they assist in the breakdown of other rich fatty foods.
Cucumber. Cool and crunchy, cucumbers contain significant levels of vitamin B, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and other minerals, making it perfect for summer.
Radishes. Often overlooked, their beautiful reddish-purple exterior house high levels of vitamin C, high water content, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Leafy Greens. Butter lettuce, spinach and arugula to name a few, contain significant amounts of water and can thin the blood to assist your body in releasing heat.
Herbs & Spices. Fresh ginger, pepper and mint leaves may initially feel or taste warm but actually help cool you down. No wonder spicy foods are so common in hotter regions of the world.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Other water-rich foods include tomatoes, carrots, watercress, celery, broccoli, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, pomegranate, Thai coconut, and more.
In addition to fruits and veggies with high water content, what you drink also matters. Many symptoms of excess heat including dizziness, fatigue, and lack of concentration, are attributable to chronic dehydration. Sodas, sports and energy drinks – all high in sugar, caffeine and sodium – actually make dehydration worse. Extremely cold foods and drinks, like ice cream and ice coffees, can interfere with digestion and perspiration - the body’s natural cooling mechanism. Keeping fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential to staying cool and to overall healthy in general.
A cleaner digestive track is also helpful in keeping cool. Schedule your next appointment now. Stay cool and see you soon!
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