Heatwave: 6 tips to reduce body heat and stay cool in severe summer

Sometimes it may be extremely hot weather conditions, and sometimes certain foods! The reasons behind high body heat can be anything. The normal body temperature for adults is generally considered to be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, although there can be variations from person-to-person. A person’s body temperature can even fluctuate throughout the day and can be influenced by many factors, including physical activity, hormonal fluctuations, and environmental temperature. If you or your family members have high body heat, you should try to reduce it. Staying hydrated throughout the day is one way to stay cool. You can try out other ways to reduce body heat, especially in the scorching summer.

Health Shots consulted Dr Bharat Agarwal, Consultant Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, to find out ways to reduce body heat, especially during a heatwave.

Ways to reduce body heat

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration. Here’s what more you can do to deal with the heatwave.

1. Wear loose and breathable clothes

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes made of cotton or linen. They can help to keep the body cool by allowing air to circulate around the skin, says the expert.

2. Stay in cooler or covered areas

When it’s hot outside, it’s important to look for cool and shaded areas to rest, and tell them to avoid direct sunlight.

3. Indulge in lower intensity exercises

When a person exercises at a high intensity, their body generates more heat as a result of increased metabolism and muscle activity. Lowering the exercises’ intensity can help to reduce body heat, says Dr Agarwal.

4. Take cool showers or bath

Taking a cool shower or bath can help to reduce body heat and provide relief from symptoms like sweating and fatigue.

5. Apply cool compresses

Applying a cool, damp towel or compress to the forehead, neck, or other areas of the body can help reduce body heat and provide relief from heat-related symptoms.

6. Consume cooling foods

Foods can help to reduce body heat as well. So, give them watermelon, cucumber or mint to help regulate their body temperature and reduce heat-related symptoms.

Avoid these if body temperature is high

If the body temperature is high, avoid certain things to prevent further heat-related illness.

1. Strenuous activity

Avoid engaging in strenuous activities and exercises, especially during the hottest part of the day.

2. Direct sunlight

Avoid direct sunlight and preferably be in cooler, shaded areas as much as possible.

3. Hot and spicy foods

Keep hot and spicy foods away as these can increase body heat and make them feel hotter.

4. Alcohol and caffeine

These can dehydrate the body and worsen symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

5. Tight clothes

Lock up tight or fitted clothes, as they can trap heat and make them feel hotter.

If symptoms of heat exhaustion persists or worsen, reach out for medical attention right away. You should be more concerned if there is persistent or significant increase in body temperature, accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills or sweating. This can be a sign of an underlying medical condition like an infection or inflammation, says the expert. If the body temperature rises due to heat, you should be concerned if it reaches a level that is significantly above normal. This can be a sign of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be quite serious and even life-threatening.