COOL DOWN FOR SUMMER
Summer is finally upon us, and while it means getting back outside being active, going to the beach, and vacation, and all the classic things we love about summer - it’s important to support our bodies while we transition from spring into the quickly rising temperatures of the summer months. With temperatures soaring to record highs, it can be a shock to our system and in some cases it can be unsafe if we do not take the necessary precautions to keep our system cool and balanced to endure a more intense climate.
Staying hydrated is key! Yes, drinking enough water is important. But staying hydrated can be taken a step further by eating plenty of foods that contain water. Cucumber, watermelon, honey dew, mangos, grapes, bok choy, pineapple, strawberries, peaches, oranges, lettuce, broths, soups, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage, grapefruit - all foods that contain tons of hydration and electrolytes to boot.
Additionally, coconut water, aloe water, and water mixed with lime or lemon are great ways to boost hydration and ensure you’re replenishing what your body loses when sweating. Mixing things into your beverages like chia seeds are super hydrating and good for brain health. Blending and straining cilantro, parsley, or mint in water is a great short cut for green juice, that’s good for the blood and cooling the body, it also removes heavy metals from your system.
Avoiding foods that can be activating is an easily overlooked concept. What qualifies as an activating food is something that is warming to the body - think spicy, punchy ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, hot sauces, black pepper, turmeric. Even though some of these ingredients are anti inflammatory, they can cause the body to accumulate excess heat during summer months and are best to be avoided in most cases.
Herbs are another great way to assist the body in regulating its temperature and cooling it down. Hibiscus, licorice root, alfalfa, nettles, saffron, lemon balm, and rose can all be made into a tea and drank throughout the day for a cooling refresher that’s actually effective. (No shade to starbucks, but seriously.)
Monitor your time outdoors, it’s easy to get carried away and not pay attention to how much time you’ve actually been outside. Wearing sunscreen and consistently reapplying it when longer hours are spent outdoors. We love an all natural, non toxic sunscreen best for recreational activities. Get a lot of rest. Limit caffeine. And most importantly - listen to your body! Happy Summer!
