7 Foods That Put Extra Stress on the Body in Hot Weather

When temperatures rise, your body looks for ways to cool down. Alongside shade, fans, or a refreshing foot bath, your diet also plays an important role. Choosing the wrong foods can put extra strain on your circulation.

That’s why it pays to take a closer look at what’s on your plate – and what shouldn’t be:

1. Meat – hard to digest

Germany’s Federal Center for Health Education recommends avoiding meat during heat waves. Digestion requires a lot of energy, which in turn generates body heat. From a hygiene perspective, caution is also advised: bacteria like salmonella multiply faster in the heat.

2. Fast Food – greasy, salty, sweat-inducing

Burgers, kebabs, or fries are often fatty, heavily salted, and spiced – a combination that, according to the German Nutrition Society, promotes sweating. If you can’t skip it altogether, opt for smaller portions to reduce the strain on your body.

3. Coffee – caffeine increases fluid loss

Coffee is a diuretic and makes the body lose even more fluids – not ideal when combined with heavy sweating. Caffeine also stimulates the circulatory system, which can further intensify heat sensations.

4. Alcohol – dehydrates the body

Whether it’s a cold beer or a summer cocktail: alcohol may be a seasonal favorite, but it’s not ideal. It dehydrates the body and, according to health authorities, can increase the risk of heatstroke. On especially hot days, it’s best to steer clear.

5. Cheese – heat-generating and slow to digest

As tasty as it is, cheese isn’t the best choice for high temperatures. Especially melted, fatty cheeses take a long time to digest – and that produces heat. No surprise then that dishes like fondue or raclette are winter staples.

6. Ice-cold drinks – refreshing, but counterproductive

It may sound cooling, but ice-cold water forces your body to expend energy to bring it to body temperature – generating heat in the process. Room-temperature or even slightly warm drinks like mint tea are a better choice to support your natural cooling mechanism.

7. Spicy foods – extra heat from chili & co.

Chili, pepper, garlic, and paprika fire up the metabolism and promote sweating. In summer, milder options like mint, coriander, or fennel are easier on the system and provide a refreshing touch.

Stay cool with the right foods

On hot days, light and water-rich meals are your best bet.

Reducing these 7 food types can help your body stay cool – and help you handle the summer heat a little more comfortably.

Photo by Immo Wegmann via Unsplash