Top 5 Holisitic Tips To Beat the Heat
If you’re in the northeast, there’s a serious heat wave going on. While I was in my happy place sailing on the Hudson today, the temperature was still pretty intense and I found myself feeling extra drained. So especially, If you’re active, but even when you’re just out and about, it’s important to watch for any subtle signs of heat stress such as:
Fatigue
Headache
Irritability
Confusion
Weakness
Muscle Cramps
Nausea
Dizziness
Excessive Sweating
Here’s my short list for natural remedies for how to beat the heat and keep your body cool.
1) Drink Cooling Liquids – My go to choices for rehydrating and replenishing the body are lemon infused water and coconut water. Lemon acts as an antioxidant with a source of vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus . Coconut water also contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals and can reduce the heat of your body. Both options boost energy, help your body fight infections and keep you cool all day long. But remember to sip steadily throughout your day because if you drink when you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated which can cause unwanted symptoms. Also, watch your caffeine and alcohol intake as both are diuretics and accelerate dehydration in the body.
2) Consume Hydrating Foods – Eat with the season and enjoy high water content fruits such as watermelon, melons, berries, oranges, mangos, grapes and pineapple. They all contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which have a natural cooling effect on the body.
3) Salads and Smoothies – Lean in to your body’s natural craving for more raw vegetables in the summer season and enjoy a smoothie and/or a salad daily with extra cooling foods such as: avocado, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus and leafy greens. Note that having large meals, especially foods loaded with carbs and protein produce more heat in the body. So listen to your body’s natural cues during the summer and keep your meals lighter.
4) Sitali Breathing Exercise – Sitali Pranayama, often called “the cooling breath,” is a breath practice involves inhaling the breath through the curl of the tongue. We breathe as if “drinking” in moisture-rich air, which cools us down – physically and emotionally. Sitali Breath has a calming effect on the nervous system and is said to reduce fatigue, bad breath, fevers, and high blood pressure. It can also be used to improve focus and reduce anger, anxiety, and agitation. Curl the tongue into a “U,” and stick it just outside of the lips. Inhale deeply through the rolled tongue, Focus your attention on the cooling sensation of the breath as the abdomen and lower ribs expand. Withdraw the tongue and close the mouth, exhaling completely through the nose. Practice for 3 minutes.
5) Cold Water – Finally, taking a cool bath or even just soaking your feet in cold water is a great way to cool your body, not to mention it allows you to sit back and chillax. For an added cooling effect, try adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
