10 Foods To Reduce Body Heat Naturally

During summers, when the mercury level rises the scorching heat, can drain us completely. If we ignore this, our bodies will be at greater risk.

In the summer, many of us feel dehydrated and lack energy, which is another sign that we have been smashed by heat. In summer, we need to take care of our bodies. From eating right to changing our lifestyle, we can overcome and protect ourselves from the harmful effects of summer.

Why Does Body Heat Rise?

Your body heat can increase because of both internal and external influences. For example, spending too much time out in the sun can cause your body temperature to rise significantly. It can also increase because of heavy exercise or more moving around than usual. For women, body heat may rise because of conditions like perimenopause and menopause, during which they may experience heat flashes or night sweats. Another significant but fairly uncommon reason why your body heat may rise is due to the use of certain medications. Some medications may cause excessive heat production in your body, causing your body heat to rise.

Here are the most common causes of increased body heat:

• High environmental temperatures, such as in a hot indoor environment with too many layers. Normally, the body can handle hot temperatures by sweating, but if it gets too hot this can overload your natural cooling system.
• Similarly, the sun itself can result in heatstroke or sunstroke. Often this happens if you sweat too much to combat the heat or your body is dehydrated and hence does not have enough water.
• Getting a microbial infection (such as from bacteria, viruses or fungi) is one of the most common reasons for increased body heat. Our immune system’s natural response to an infection is to raise your core temperature in an effort to kill off the infection.  
• A relatively rare condition called a thyroid storm can also result in high body heat. A thyroid storm occurs when there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormone produced and released into the body. The results can be severe and include sweating, a rapid heart rate, vomiting, jaundice and unusual pains.  

Oranges to reduce body heat! Oranges are believed to be rich in water content that makes them a potential food to reduce body heat. They are also full of fibre that makes them a great option for those looking to lose weight and still feel full.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Normal body temperatures for different demographics

• Normal Resting Body Temperature for Adults: Between 36.24 and 37 °C (97.2–98.6 °F)
• Mild Fever Temperature in Adults: 38 °C (100.4 °F)
• High Fever Temperature in Adults: 39.5 °C (103.1 °F)
• Normal Resting Body Temperature for Babies: 37.5 °C (99.5 °F)
• Normal Resting Body Temperature for Pregnant Women:
• Around the 12th week of pregnancy: 35.6 °C to 37.5 °C (96 – 99.5 °F)
• Around the 33rd week of pregnancy: 35.3 °C to 37.3 °C (95.5 – 99.1 °F)

It is very important to understand the symptoms that indicate an uneasy state of the body, these include burning sensation in the eyes, ulcers, indigestion, constipation, sleeplessness, acidity, or maybe some may even observe rapid heart rate.

Foods To Reduce Body Heat Naturally

Let’s understand the top 10 foods to help reduce body heat and enjoy the summer season without any hazardous effects:

1. Coconut Water

The best drink during summers. Coconut water naturally has cooling properties that can help fight you against this year’s scorching summer. It can hydrate your body and thus balances the temperature-generating electrolytes naturally. Coconut water due to its malai content as we say is always sweet. You can drink the water and apply the left-out malai on your face, to give a cooling effect to your face.

2. Buttermilk.

This healthy drink contains essential probiotics, vitamins, and minerals to keep our bodies cool even in extreme heat. Drinking buttermilk daily or maybe twice a day can help to cool down your body. Try drinking a glass of cold buttermilk to restore your energy and naturally cool your body.

Other than buttermilk, a traditional Indian drink, Jaljeera is believed to be very helpful to cool down the body. Mint is one of the constituents of Jaljeera which is believed to provide the cooling effect.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

3. Aloe Vera

The natural cooling agent. It has a commendable effect when it comes to reducing body heat internally and externally. The gel can be applied to the skin and you will experience the cooling effect in no time. Or you can mix the aloe vera gel extract with the cucumber or mint and blend it to form a smooth mixture. Drink it and feel the coolness running inside your body.

4. Mint

One of the most commonly consumed herbs in India. It is usually added to the food or drinks to neutralize the heat effect from the body. It not only controls your body temperature but also provides a wonderful cooling effect. Adding mint to curd, buttermilk, or lemon water can bring you more benefits. You can also make mint chutney, which is one of the best chutneys in all Indian households.

5. Watermelon

In addition to mangoes, watermelon is another fruit that is often caught in the summer season in India. Usually, the water contained in drinking watermelon is as high as 92%, which will help prevent dehydration and keep the body cool. If consumed regularly, it can help control your body heat.

6. Cucumbers

Just like watermelons, cucumber also has a high amount of water content. They are also loaded with fiber, which can help relieve constipation, one of the common problems faced during summers or when your body heat increases. Cucumber is not only commonly used in salads, but also in intense facial treatments to soothe the eyes. Since it contains 95% water, it helps reduce excess calories in the body too. A perfect summer partner!

7. Chilli

Yes, you read it right! We will be talking about our spicy little chilies in this section. But the truth is that peppers can help you lower your body temperature. According to research, capsaicin is the active ingredient found in chili peppers. When consumed, it sends a message to the brain indicating that your body is overheating and sweating more than usual, thereby producing a cooling effect. Interesting isn’t it!

8. Lemon Water

Research has shown that lemon being rich in Vitamin C can help lower body temperature. It can also moisturize and oxygenate the body, to help improve the energy and feel fresh during summers. It is also one of the important parts of our homemade electrolyte. To make lemon juice, squeeze the juice of half a lemon, add a pinch of salt and  ½ tsp of sugar (depending on your taste) and mix it with cold water. This way, you add all the ingredients that can work as a natural electrolyte for your body.

9. Onions

It is surprising to know that even onions have a cooling effect. Well, it’s considered to be rich in quercetin, which acts as an anti-allergen. It is also beneficial to protect you from sunstroke. And this is the main reason, why our grandma’s make onion and raw mango mixture every summer. You can have them in the raw form by adding lemon and a little bit of salt or add them in salads, raitas or sandwiches, etc. Enjoy this humble vegetable available around the corner.

10. Celery

Celery contains 90% water and contains important nutrients, which can keep you cool in summer. Celery is also high in sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.

Malabar spinach, a variety of spinach found majorly in Karnataka, is believed to impart cooling to the body. It might be cooked and eaten with chapati. It is believed to be rich in Vitamin A and C, folic acid and calcium.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read more about: 11 Foods To Avoid Before Sleeping!

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