Non-obvious ways to cool the body in the heat. few people know about them

Heat has returned to Poland. Probably, each of us has heard about how not to go out in the sun at noon, drink plenty of water, refrain from alcohol and try to keep the apartment cool. These are extremely important rules, but are there other ways to calm down on a hot day? It turns out, yes, and for sure many of them will be very surprised.

Unusual ways to beat the heat

High temperatures in the summer, probably, will not surprise anyone. However, this does not change the fact that they are just as tiring for our body every year. A sickly fever effectively makes it difficult to perform daily duties, even the simplest and most elementary. In such a situation, it is natural that we look for ways to make hot times less burdensome for us. Some of them are very obscure. Here are some of those suggestions:

• Consuming spicy food – although it sounds rather surprising, in fact, such products contain substances that irritate our body, making us sweat more. Thus, our body cools better. However, do not overdo it with the consumption of such foods, taking care to consume them in moderation - otherwise we may feel even worse.
• Drink hot tea - This method is very popular, especially in countries where high temperatures are common, including Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. Thanks to this, the body receives a signal that it is better to start sweating so as not to “hold” excess heat. This method will work provided that we are in a place with dry air. Dr. Ollie Jay, a researcher in the Department of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, and his team published a study in 2012 confirming the effectiveness of this technique. However, tea should not be strong, so as not to flush out the necessary vitamins and electrolytes from the body. Cold drinks bring only temporary relief, but as a result, our body does not cool down at all.
• Body coating – although when it is hot outside, we instinctively detect the body, this is not the best method. When the body is exposed, the sun’s rays act directly on the skin. If we wear a layer of fabric, it blocks at least some of the sun’s rays. However, it should be airy and bright material. The form of clothing is also important - if it is tight, the heated fabric will immediately transfer heat to our body. Therefore, loose, lightweight clothing with a plain weave (such as linen) is best suited.
• Cooling sensitive points on the body - a short compress of ice cubes or something cold can really do a lot if … we know where to put it. Such sensitive places are: the wrists, the inside of the elbows, the back of the head, the groin and the places under the knees. These should be places where you can feel your pulse.
• Limit your intake of salty foods and protein - they cause the production of metabolic heat during digestion, which in turn leads to water loss. So it’s better to focus on fruits and vegetables. Meals in hot weather should also be smaller but more frequent.
• Shutdown of unused equipment - such a disconnection, for example, of a phone charger from a contact, can slightly lower the temperature in the room where you are. This is a less obvious way to deal with the heat, but when we suffer from a high temperature, we grab each of the ways.

Be sure to also check out how to fall asleep quickly in hot weather. Find out more ways to cool your body on hot days.

What to remember on hot days?

In hot weather, the risk of heat stroke and overheating of the body (hyperthermia) increases significantly. The elderly, the sick and children should be especially careful. Therefore, special precautions should be taken on such days. What to do at high temperature?

• Drink more water than usual - do this even if you’re not thirsty (also don’t wait for your body to call for water).

• Remember about the headgear - it should be one that also protects the eyes from the sun’s rays.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables - this way you will also provide your body with water, which is especially important at this time.

• Do not go outside during the hottest time of the day - the hours when you should avoid the sun are 10-17 hours.

• Avoid strenuous exercise when it’s too hot: People who actively spend time outdoors during heat peaks risk overheating.

• Avoid drinking alcohol - it enhances the harmful effects of heat on the human body.