Feeling as though you’re baking in the summer heat? Let’s check the causes of body heat and the ways to reduce body heat.
Experiencing excessive body heat can be discomforting and impact your overall sense of well-being. Fortunately, there are natural methods to counter this heat and ensure your body remains cool and comfortable. In this guide, we’ll examine foods to cool down body heat and remedies that can assist in lowering body temperature, as well as provide answers to common queries about managing body heat through Ayurvedic practices.
Increased body heat, or elevated body temperature, can result from various factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Infection: Infections, such as the flu, common cold, or urinary tract infections, can cause fever, which is characterized by an elevated body temperature. Fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off infections.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to hot and humid weather, as well as excessive sun exposure, can cause an increase in body heat. Dehydration can exacerbate this effect.
- Menopause: Some women experience hot flashes and increased body heat during menopause due to hormonal changes.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as some antidepressants and thyroid medications, can lead to an increase in body temperature as a side effect.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can result in increased metabolism and body heat production, leading to symptoms like sweating, weight loss, and heat intolerance.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to an increase in heart rate and body temperature.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders can cause inflammation in the body, which may result in an elevated body temperature.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to temporary increases in body temperature.
- Caffeine or Alcohol: Consumption of excessive caffeine or alcohol can temporarily raise body temperature due to their stimulating effects on the nervous system.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), can lead to increased body heat as a primary symptom.
- Spicy Foods: Consumption of very spicy foods can cause a temporary increase in body temperature because of the body’s response to the heat of the spices.
Here are the normal body temperature ranges for different age groups in a simpler format:
For Children (0-17 years old): | Mouth: 95.9°F to 99.5°F (35.5°C to 37.5°C) Bottom (rectal): 97.9°F to 100.4°F (36.6°C to 38°C) |
For Adults (18-65 years old): | Mouth: 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C) Bottom (rectal): 98.2°F to 99.5°F (36.8°C to 37.5°C) |
For Seniors (65 years and older): | It may be a bit lower, around 96.4°F to 98.3°F (35.8°C to 36.8°C). |
Note: These are just general ranges, and individual body temperatures can vary a bit. |
Let’s see how important it is to keep our body at a normal temperature.
Maintaining a normal body temperature is essential for several reasons:
1. Health and Well-Being:
A normal body temperature is a sign that your body is functioning properly. It’s essential for overall health and well-being. Extreme deviations from the normal range can indicate underlying health issues.
2. Metabolic Function:
Enzymes that control metabolic reactions in your body work optimally within a specific temperature range. Deviations from this range can slow down or disrupt these critical processes.
3. Immune System:
Your immune system operates most efficiently at normal body temperature. It helps your body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.
4. Cell Function:
Normal body temperature ensures that your cells function correctly. Temperature extremes can damage or even kill cells, affecting various bodily functions.
5. Comfort and Performance:
Maintaining a comfortable body temperature is essential for everyday activities. If your body temperature is too high or too low, it can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and a decline in physical and mental performance.
Foods To Cool Down Body Heat
1. Cucumber:
Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them incredibly hydrating. When you’re well-hydrated, your body can regulate its temperature more effectively, helping you reduce body heat naturally. Cucumbers have a relatively low sodium content, which is beneficial in maintaining balanced electrolyte levels and preventing water retention, a common issue in hot weather.
2. Watermelon:
It is often considered a cooling and hydrating fruit that can help reduce body heat naturally, especially during hot weather. Additionally, watermelon contains several nutrients and compounds that contribute to its cooling effect.
3. Mint:
To learn how to cool down internal body heat, add fresh mint leaves to your drinks or meals. Its cooling properties are known to reduce internal body heat.
4. Coconut Water:
Rich in electrolytes, coconut water is one of the effective ways to reduce body heat while quenching your thirst.
5. Buttermilk (Curd):
Buttermilk not only cools your body down but also ensures your digestive system functions smoothly, which indirectly contributes to regulating your internal temperature. So, if you’re looking for a natural and delicious way to stay cool and comfortable.
6. Lemon:
Lemon, a zesty and versatile citrus fruit, is renowned for its inclusion among body cooling foods. Loaded with natural refreshment, lemon is a popular choice to combat excessive body heat and stay comfortably cool during hot weather.
7. Gourd Vegetables:
Including bitter gourd and bottle gourd, are nature’s gift when it comes to naturally cooling down your body heat. These vegetables not only offer a delectable addition to your meals but also play a pivotal role in regulating your body’s temperature.
8. Green Leafy Vegetables:
Spinach, kale, collard greens, and other leafy varieties are known for their hydrating properties. Incorporating them into your meals not only provides essential vitamins and minerals but also contributes to reducing your body’s internal heat.
9. Coriander:
Coriander leaves, stems, and seeds all possess unique qualities that contribute to its ability to reduce internal body heat. Incorporating coriander into your diet can be a delicious way to beat the heat naturally.
10. Fennel Seeds:
Chew fennel seeds after meals to aid digestion and cool down your body.
Home Remedies to Reduce Body Heat
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera, a remarkable succulent plant, is a natural wonder that can do wonders for reducing body heat. The cooling properties of aloe vera gel make it an excellent choice. Simply apply the gel to your skin for soothing relief, helping to lower your body temperature.
Rosewater: Applying rosewater to your face and neck provides instant relief from the heat. This natural remedy complements creating a comprehensive approach to reducing body heat.
Sandalwood Paste: Create a soothing sandalwood paste by mixing sandalwood with water. Gently apply this paste to your forehead and experience a noticeable reduction in body heat.
Conclusion :
Stay cool and comfortable during summer by incorporating mentioned foods and remedies into your routine. Beat the heat naturally and enjoy a refreshing and healthy lifestyle. Remember to stay hydrated and make these cooling choices a part of your daily diet for lasting relief from excessive body heat.