How to Keep Cool, Healthy and Comfortable in Summer Heat

Summer heat and humidity can by annoying. Heat drains your energy level. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke pose health concerns. Here are twenty ways to reduce body temperature and stay cool.

Don't Drink:
Alcohol
Caffeinated beverages (except mildly brewed ice tea)
Sugared beverages
Artificially flavored or colored drinks
Hot beverages
Energy drinks
*These increase your heart rate and circulation and will warm you up. These beverages can dehydrate you as well.

Do drink plenty of:
Water
Vitamin water
Mildly brewed ice tea
100% vitamin C fruit juices (limit quantities or water down; these can produce diarrhea in summer)
*You should always consume at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day and more in the summer heat. (You weigh 150#, drink at least 75 oz. of water throughout the day.)

Don't eat:
Foods high in:
salt
sugar
heavy seasonings
MSG
fats or oils
calories
processed foods
*Avoid: pastries, rich creamy foods, greasy foods, spicy foods,

Do eat:
dark green vegetables
orange vegetables
salads
broiled or grilled foods
lean meats and fish
whole grains
fruit and vegetables in season
yogurt and Kefir

Avoid areas where the air conditioning is set too high (and cools too low). The shock to the body when you return to unconditioned air is greater and you will also feel the heat more intensely. Set the AC no lower than 70-75 degrees. It will be far more efficient to run and will help prevent 'brown outs' when community power companies become drained of energy.

Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day ( 1-3pm). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during this part of the day. If you are outside, it should be in or near water with proper sunscreen.

Avoid wearing dark knit or synthetic fabrics; these trap the heat. White or light colored linen or cotton clothing breathes in the heat. Change clothes frequently.

Avoid wearing heavy lotions, creams or cosmetics, especially foundation in the summer. Use a light dusting powder.

Avoid showering in cold water; this will shut down your pores and make the air outside of the shower feel warmer. Instead, use cool of even tepid water to open your pores and keep you cooler.

These tips should help you minimize the discomfort and maximize the refreshment of summer. For more health tips, visit my linked blogs.