HEAT HACKS FOR SUMMER RELIEF
Hello everyone and welcome back. With summer right around the corner it’s time for an annual review of tips and facts to help us stay safe in the sun.
While many natural threats to our health are obvious like the visible and violent nature of a flood or tornado, excessive heat is considered to be a “silent killer” by THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL or CDC.
Moreover, high humidity, which is common in many parts of the world, can make the negative effects of heat on the human body even more harmful. Indeed, heat related illnesses can occur in just one afternoon of intense exposure. And, physical stress to our bodies from excessive heat adds up and can have a cumulative and lasting effect.
Now, our bodies naturally dissipate heat by changing the rate of our blood circulation, by shedding water through the skin and sweat glands, and by panting, much like an over-heated dog.
Yet, even sweating won’t cool the body down unless this moisture is also removed by evaporation – and this might not be possible in an exceptionally humid climate.
But, there are a few simple things we can do to prevent heat-related illness and ensure comfort throughout the summer months. So, let’s get started with our list of 8 HEAT HACKS for COOL SUMMER RELIEF.
1) STAY HYDRATED. The CDC suggests we think of our bodies as an air conditioner. When our internal AC turns on, we begin to sweat. Since our sweat is equivalent to the coolant in an AC, it’s important to refill the tank. And, we do this by drinking lots of H2O. Of course, water is not our only option for hydration. Thanks to the menthol, peppermint tea is another great way to cool down our internal thermometer. And, coconut water used in Ayurveda for its cooling properties also will replace the electrolytes we lose through sweating.
2) SPRITZ AWAY. There’s nothing like a spray bottle filled with chilled water from the fridge to bring your temperature down and your comfort zone up. In fact, solutions made with water and menthol-containing herbs like peppermint and spearmint work wonders for beating the heat. As the spritz evaporates, it cools you down. While elephants cool down by wetting their ears with a blast of water from their trunks, humans should begin with their wrists and the back of their neck. This will then cool the blood flowing through their veins to the rest of the body.
3) WEAR YOUR WHITES. Clothing is important in the summer heat. Light colors reflect light, so you’ll be much cooler if you dress in white or pastel colors. In contrast, dark colors trap heat and hold it next to your body. Also, wear loose and billowy clothes that allow air movement next to the skin and aid with evaporation. Light cotton is always a good choice as are synthetic wick-away-sweat fabrics like Coolmax and Nano-Tex. 
4) ENJOY WATER-RICH FOODS. Yes, we need to drink plenty of fluids to beat the heat. And, we also need to include plenty of seasonal produce that’s loaded with water. You can choose from many, including cantaloupes, cucumbers, zucchini, strawberries, peaches and, of course, watermelon, which is the King of water-logged produce. All will go a long way in keeping you hydrated, happy and cool.
5) SPICE IT UP. Mexico. India. Latin America. What do they have in common? Spicy food. Yep, people who live in scorching climates know that eating hot food can cool you down. You see, many foods from these places use peppers as a cooking staple. And, peppers contain capsaicin, which is a substance that binds to the pain receptors in your mouth. When this happens, your brain thinks you’re hot and responds by making you sweat, which cools you down. And, this all takes place without actually raising your body temperature. Genius!
6) AVOID ICE CREAM. Sorry about this one. But, on a really hot summer day an ice cream cone is not the best thing to eat. Why? Because ice cream is loaded with fat and fat is hard for our bodies to digest. The energy and effort it takes for our body to digest fat can raise our body temperature so we can feel even hotter – not cooler. The same is true for other high fat content foods like red meat. Accordingly, when trying to stay cool, reach for a flavored ice, a light sorbet or a crisp, green salad and avoid the fat.
7) SOAK YOUR FEET. Pulse points are areas on the body where our blood vessels are very close to the surface. Our feet happen to be a significant pulse point. When we put our feet in cool water our entire body benefits. The cooling blood in our feet will travel up and throughout our body bringing instant relief from heat and humidity. Try this in a pool, a fountain or under a summer lawn sprinkler in the comfort of your own home.
8) DON’T FORGET TO MEDITATE. Now, I’ve been meditating since my teens. And, it’s true that one can feel a cool sensation during or just after meditating. This is because meditation quiets the mind, reduces stress and lowers our blood pressure. This slows down our circulation, which drops our internal thermostat so we feel refreshed and a bit cooler. You also can try specific breathing exercises called pranayama, which also quiet the mind, slow our heart rate and cool down the body.
Yes, it’s summer once again. And, yes, that means that hot, humid and uncomfortable days are ahead. But, keeping our cool is not as hard as it may seem. Just a few simple changes to our daily routine can help us beat the heat and make the most of every summer day!
Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, enjoy your summer, stay COOL, keep up your GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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