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Looks like this year we will be suffering constant heat waves. Some areas of Spain are registering temperatures over 46ºC (114ºF) with 70% of humidity. What I shockly found out is that heat waves are the most lethal type of weather phenomenon overall (worldwise). In USA, 2.190 people died between 1.992 and 2.001 because a heat wave (compared with the 1.030 people caused for hurricanes and floods). In 2.003 more that 70.000 Europeans died as a result of a heat wave.
Without being scaremonger or paranoic, I want to share with you some tips to keep down our body temperature during summer time. Although the truth is that is not just our body, but also mentally and emotionally, it’s important to find ways to cool down.
- Avoid foods that heat you up. In hot days last thing you need is to rev it up with spicy food or sour food like chillies, curries, yogurt or cheese. Also limit salty foods because they leave you dehydrated and aggravate your skin. Avoid garlic, beets, spinach and of course cayenne. Alcohol and caffeine have also a heating effect on the body and promote dehydration.
- Go for food that cool you down. Sweet, bitter and astringent foods are the ones. go for milk, olive or coconut oil. Choose avocados, cherries, plums, watermelon, pineapples or peaches. Mint and cilantro are great as well as cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini, sweet potatoes and green beans.
- Go for room temperature drinks, yes, you read well, no chill drinks are allowed. Room temperature drinks will make you feel rehydrated more quickly because they can be assimilated into your body much faster.
- Exercise early in the morning or early in the evening. And choose lighter exercises as yoga, walking or swimming.
- Make more time to relax and to have fun.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, of a light color and cotton fabric. Avoid synthetics.
- Keep your mind cool. Set aside your busy, frazzled mind. Practice meditation or listen to beautiful music.