Overheated? How to eat properly in extreme summer heat!

Overheated? How to eat properly in extreme summer heat!

The summer temperatures have us firmly under control, and with them come health challenges, especially for our cardiovascular system. Like the page geo.de reports, the human body suffers from increased sweating in high heat, which leads to a significant loss of water and important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium. Many of us are thirsty, but our appetite often leaves something to be desired and digestion slows down.

During this critical time, it is important to eat a light, balanced and water-rich diet in order to provide the body with the best possible support. Recommended foods are colorful and fresh: fruit, vegetables, salads, yoghurt, fish and poultry are very popular. Foods such as watermelon, cucumbers and tomatoes in particular help maintain fluid balance. At the same time, the heat poses risks for the circulation, especially for older people like this NDR underlined.

Light food for hot days

It is better to avoid heavy and fatty foods as they can quickly lead to discomfort, tiredness and nausea. Instead, several small meals throughout the day are ideal. We should not forget to consume a little more salt to compensate for the loss of electrolytes.

An interesting recommendation is to enjoy the food lukewarm or cool. Ice-cold drinks can be counterproductive because the body has to generate heat to bring cold drinks up to temperature. Instead, lukewarm drinks and easily digestible meals made from vegetables, fruits, yogurt and seafood are better choices, such as DAK emphasized.

Hydration is key

But no matter how light the food is, the most important rule remains: drink, drink, drink! At least 2 to 3 liters of fluid are recommended every day. Mineral water, juice spritzers and unsweetened teas are excellent thirst quenchers. This makes it all the more important not to neglect minerals, even when you sweat heavily. Vegetable and meat broths that contain electrolytes can be a good addition to the diet.

However, cooling can also come from within: hot chilies stimulate sweat production and thus cool the body. On the other hand, we should be careful with cold foods such as ice cream, as they can also quickly upset digestion due to temperature shocks. Foods that make the skin more resistant to UV radiation are also a smart choice; Carrots, pumpkin and spinach are real power fruits for the summer.

Finally, it remains to be said that when temperatures are high, the body not only has to adapt to the heat, but also relies on an adapted diet. If you pay attention to your diet, you can enjoy the summer heat healthy and full of energy.