LifestyleNutritional tips to beat the heat: what to avoid during summer

Nutritional tips to beat the heat: what to avoid during summer

What not to eat in the heat?
What not to eat in the heat?
Images source: © Adobe Stock
Dominika Frydrych

19 June 2024 14:43

During heatwaves, an appropriate diet is crucial for our health and well-being. Many of us are unaware that some foods can be harmful in high temperatures. Check out what to avoid to fully enjoy summer without unpleasant ailments.

Heatwaves can be not only uncomfortable but also dangerous for our health. High air temperatures can lead to serious conditions such as dizziness, muscle pain, and even fainting. A key element that affects our well-being during hot days is a proper diet.

Proper nutrition during heatwaves is extremely important because our nutritional needs change in extreme weather conditions. On hot days, the body needs not only more water but also electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that help maintain electrolyte balance and proper cell function. Drinking water alone is not enough – it is important to provide the body with essential nutrients through appropriate meals.

What not to eat during heatwaves?

In summer, when temperatures reach their peak, our eating habits need to change so that we can feel good and healthy. What to eat and what to absolutely avoid?

During heatwaves, we should avoid fast food like hamburgers or fries, as well as salty snacks. They can further weaken the body already strained by high temperatures because digesting them requires a significant amount of energy. Even though during a day by the water or a lazy day we may crave such food, it is better to abstain from it. Moreover, salt consumed in excessive amounts raises blood pressure.

Avoid ice cream

Though ice cream seems like the perfect summer dessert, it can have the opposite effect. After eating it, the body tries to balance the temperature difference, which causes an increase in body heat. Of course, you can eat it in reasonable amounts, and during extreme heat, it is better to avoid it.

In summer, also be careful with sweets. Sugar present in candy bars, chocolates, or cookies can lead to a drop in concentration, drowsiness, and irritability.

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