Body temperature is the capacity of the body to generate and get rid of excess body heat. Let’s discuss how to beat body heat. The normal body temperature is mentioned as 98.6 F, but it can be slightly lower or higher, depending upon the individual. The average body temperature of adults is between 97.8-99.0 F.
Generally, the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system are together responsible for maintaining the normal body temperature or within a degree of 1 or 2 degrees. But sometimes, the body heat increases. This malady is known as heat stress. It can be caused due to several factors such as extreme heat, certain foods, or others. Let us read further to know more about the causes of body heat, how to beat body heat, and body cooling foods.
Reason for the Rise in Body Heat
Many factors can cause the body heat to rise. Here are a few common reasons why heat stress is caused:
- Inflammatory illnesses such as infection can cause you to have a fever, indicating some unusual activity in the body.
- having any thyroid disorder such as hyperthyroidism due to which the body produces too much of the thyroid hormone.
- Spending too much time in the hot and humid weather or direct sunlight.
- Wearing very tight clothes. Such fabrics trap heat and moisture and do not release them easily.
- Consumption of excess spicy, oily, or fried foods contribute to heat stress.
- Consumption of high-protein foods such as nuts and meats can add to heat stress.
- Consumption of caffeine or alcohol in surplus.
- Performing extreme physical exercise can cause a significant increase in body heat as active muscles and related blood circulation can create a lot of heat in the body.
- Consumption of drugs can also raise body heat.
- Being dehydrated can also increase the overall body heat as it can decrease the body’s ability to cool down the sweat produced by the body and maintain a normal body temperature.
How to Reduce Body Heat Quickly
It is very necessary to know about some of the ways to beat body heat. One of the basic ways is to drink an ample amount of water in the case of dehydration. Let us discuss some of the effective ways:
1. Try a cool foot bath
Place your feet in a cool foot bath. This method cools down your body and also allows you to sit and relax in a place. You just need to add some cold water and ice cubes to a bucket. Soak your feet for about 20 minutes. You can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for an enhanced cooling effect.
2. Drink coconut water
Drinking coconut water is an excellent way to refresh and rejuvenate your body. The components of coconut water are vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes which rejuvenate the body during the onset of heat stress.
3. Try peppermint
Peppermint is known all over the world as one of the body cooling foods as it is rich in menthol, which provides the individual with a cooling sensation. You can prepare peppermint tea, hot or iced, and drink it throughout the day for better results. Drinking hot tea will help you to sweat more and will help in cooling down your body faster.
4. Try hydrating fruits
Fruits are one of the best body-cooling foods. During the period of heat stress, try consuming foods that are high in water content. You can also consume vegetables like celery, cucumber, and cauliflower and eat them together as a salad.
5. Wear appropriate clothes
If you are subjected to direct sunlight outdoors, use a hat and sunglasses for your benefit. You can also carry an umbrella for the same reason. Wearing loose and light-coloured clothes, especially in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen can prove to be beneficial as they do not trap heat and also absorb sweat effectively, making you feel comfortable all day long.
6. Use aloe vera
It is one of the trusted substitutes known to reduce body heat effectively. The leaves and the gel of the plant can help in lowering the body temperature and can give a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin. You can also take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera powder per cup of water and make it a drink for additional benefits.
7. Drink buttermilk
Buttermilk is considered one of the best body-cooling foods. Consuming buttermilk may effectively cool down your body temperature and help you relax during the onset of heat stress. It is rich in probiotics, vitamins, and many vital minerals that help in restoring the natural energy of your body and helps you gain back your natural strength. You can also add honey or yoghurt to the buttermilk to make the flavour better.
These remedies contain natural body cooling foods that reduce the body heat by many times. But if you are not able to cool down even after trying all these remedies, you should visit a doctor at the earliest.
Meeting a certified medical practitioner is important if:
- You have an underlying medical condition.
- You are 65+ in age
- You are pregnant or nursing
- The problem is seen in kids or babies.
Heat stress can potentially change into heat exhaustion or a heat stroke if left overlooked or untreated. Thus, it is better to keep in touch with a doctor and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Why Does Body Heat Rise?
Body temperature elevates for various reasons. Upon exercising or undergoing any bodily activity, the body increases its muscle activity, generating more heat. High environmental temperatures cause the body to absorb more heat. Stress may stimulate the release of adrenaline, raising body temperature. Body temperatures also elevate due to illnesses, usually those that are caused by infections, resulting in fever as an immune response. Atop this, the intake of hot foods and fluids may transiently raise body temperature. The hormonal change, especially at the onset of menopause, has an influence on hot flashes and body heat production. These are the factors in control of the body’s ability in thermoregulation and, thus, thermal balance.
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FAQs
Foods like cucumbers, watermelons, mint, and yogurt help reduce body heat. These foods have high water content and cooling properties that can help lower body temperature.
You should be worried about excess body heat if you experience symptoms like dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, or confusion. These could indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke, requiring immediate medical attention.
Drinks such as coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas like peppermint tea are effective at removing heat from the body. These beverages hydrate and have cooling effects.
Your body can feel hot without a fever due to factors like physical exertion, stress, hormonal changes, or dehydration. Environmental heat and certain medications can also cause this sensation.
Yes, curd (yogurt) can reduce body heat. It has cooling properties and helps in maintaining body temperature, especially during hot weather.
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