Summertime has lots of perks, but there are some downsides that we all have to deal with. One of the largest issues with the summertime is the heat, in which are bodies are more likely to become dehydrated and feel week. Paying attention to your body, and its reaction to the heat, in important for maintaining well-being.
If we feel our energy depleting on a scorching hot day it is most likely the result of dehydration. According to the NY Times the effects of dehydration can be subtle, with an array of confusing symptoms that can leave people feeling fatigued, irritable and unproductive, often with side orders of headache and muscle cramps.
On of the greatest remedies to the heat and dehydration is our diet, in which the foods we intake can greatly affect our daily energy and general demeanor towards the heat. Below are some tips and suggestions on food to try out during the summer months:
Avoid fatty, greasy or oily foods
When your body is full of grease and oil it works in overtime to digest all of the calories. This extra effort decreases energy, which is better spent keeping your body hydrated. Foods dense in fat also lead to weight gain, which becomes especially challenging to manage in the heat.
Limit your consumption of sugar and alcohol
The temptations of sugar during the summer are endless. A sugar loaded ice pop may seem like a no brainer to lower the body temperature, but it could indeed be making us feel more thirsty. Sugar and alcohol significantly increases the body’s water need, which can leave us feeling comatose. Sugar intake should be limited and alcohol should not be consumed unless prepared with plenty of unsweetened nonalcoholic mixers.
Refrain from eating before bedtime
Most diets strictly prohibit eating large amounts of food before bed for a reason. When we eat before we fall asleep our body does not burn the calories like it does when we are awake. This can put our bodies into overdrive
Stock up on protein, veggies and fruit
According to one top nutritionist “Research shows that when we feel sluggish and sort of foggy-headed, the foods that can pull us out of that are high in protein and low in concentrated carbohydrates” such as sugar or white bread, she says. Jim White, a spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends eating five mini-meals a day, all of which should be high in protein, fruits and veggies.
How we treat our bodies can significantly affect our mood during the summer months. White says. “The biggest thing is being hydrated — 2% to 3% dehydration can significantly affect energy.” Start drinking up!
Get more information about Dr. Abroon and his tips for the summer on his website at http://www.johnabroonmd.com/