5 Proven Foods to Reduce Body Heat (& Foods to Avoid)

When it comes to maintaining our health, body heat plays a crucial role. It’s essential for digestion, metabolism, and regulating our overall temperature. However, there are times when body heat can escalate beyond what’s comfortable, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. 

You may feel excessively hot, experience increased thirst, and even notice changes in your skin such as rashes or pigmentation. Other signs include irritability, hair fall, and even issues like acidity and mouth ulcers. 

If you recognize a few of these symptoms, it’s likely your body heat is elevated, and the root cause often lies in our diets.

So, what can we do? The good news is that by eliminating certain foods that contribute to body heat, we can alleviate these symptoms and feel better overall. 

Today, we’ll discuss five foods that you should consider cutting back on, as well as five cooling foods that can naturally help reduce body heat. This isn’t just theoretical; many have found relief by making these dietary changes. 

Let's dive into the details, uncovering the science behind why these foods affect our body heat and how we can adjust our diets for better health.

Symptoms of Excessive Body Heat

Before we get into the foods, let’s take a closer look at the symptoms that indicate you may have excessive body heat:

• Excessive sweating, often with a foul smell.
• Increased thirst and cravings for cool drinks.
• Difficulty tolerating sunlight, often leading to rashes.
• Skin issues such as pigmentation, pimples, or blisters.
• Burning sensations in the palms and soles of the feet.
• Eye irritation.
• Premature graying of hair and excessive hair fall.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
• Frequent acidity and mouth ulcers.
• Irritability and a short temper.

Foods That Increase Body Heat

There are several foods that can contribute to an increase in body heat. Here are five that you should consider eliminating from your diet:

1. Red Chili Powder

Red chili is a common spice, but it's also one of the fastest ways to raise body heat. It contains capsaicin, a compound that can lead to inflammation in the gut lining. Instead of red chili, try using green chilies or black pepper, which provide a spicy kick without generating as much heat.

2. Dry Fruits

While almonds and other dry fruits are considered superfoods, they can also generate heat when consumed dry. It’s best to soak them overnight before eating. This helps with digestion and reduces heat production.

3. Deep Fried Foods

Everyone loves a good samosa or pakora, but deep-fried foods are notorious for raising body heat. They are heavy and require a lot of energy to digest. If you must indulge, try frying at home with mustard oil instead of consuming restaurant food, which often contains unhealthy trans fats.

4. Mango

Mangoes are delicious but can also cause heat. To enjoy them without issues, soak them in water for an hour before eating, limit your intake, and drink a mixture of milk and water afterward to cool your system.

5. Tea

Although tea can soothe a cold, drinking it excessively, especially in summer, can lead to increased body heat. Consider reducing your intake or switching to smaller cups to help control consumption.

Foods That Reduce Body Heat

Now that we know what to avoid, let’s explore five foods that can help cool your body:

1. Ash Gourd

Ash gourd, or winter melon, consists of 96% water, making it an excellent cooling food. You can consume it as juice or in salads, and it also aids digestion.

2. Watermelon

This juicy fruit is not only refreshing but also comprises 92% water, helping to replenish your body’s hydration levels. Just be cautious about eating it too quickly, as it can cause a cough if consumed with water.

3. Coconut Water

Tender coconut water is rich in electrolytes and antioxidants, effectively cooling the body. It’s a great alternative to sugary drinks and is especially beneficial for those with kidney stones.

4. Sugar Cane Juice

Known for its liver detoxifying properties, sugar cane juice is naturally cooling and can help alleviate symptoms of excessive body heat. A glass of it with lemon and mint is a fantastic summer drink.

5. Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)

This lesser-known food has incredible cooling properties. Soak it in water and add it to drinks for an extra cooling effect. It's often used in summer drinks like shikanji.

Also Read: Extreme Fat Melting Diet Plan to lose 10 Kg | Most Effective Diet plan for Fat loss

Table: Foods to Avoid vs. Foods to Embrace

Foods to Avoid	Foods to Embrace
Red Chili Powder	Ash Gourd
Dry Fruits (unsoaked)	Watermelon
Deep Fried Foods	Coconut Water
Mango (without preparation)	Sugar Cane Juice
Excessive Tea	Gond Katira

FAQs

1. How can I tell if my body heat is elevated?

Look for symptoms like excessive sweating, increased thirst, skin irritations, and irritability. If you notice a combination of these, it might be time to adjust your diet.

2. Can I still enjoy spicy foods?

Yes, but moderation is key. Consider substituting with milder spices like black pepper and green chilies to keep the flavor without raising body heat significantly.

3. Are there any quick ways to cool down?

Drinking plenty of water, consuming cooling foods like watermelon and coconut water, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours can help.

4. Can these dietary changes improve my overall health?

Absolutely! Reducing body heat can alleviate numerous symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

5. How do I incorporate these foods into my diet?

Start by gradually replacing heat-inducing foods with cooling alternatives. Make smoothies with ash gourd and watermelon, and keep coconut water on hand for hydration.

Conclusion

Managing body heat is not just about comfort; it's about overall health. By eliminating foods that contribute to elevated body heat and incorporating those that naturally cool you down, you can alleviate various symptoms and improve your quality of life.

 Remember, it's all about balance and being mindful of what you consume. So, take these tips to heart, experiment with your diet, and notice how your body responds. You might just find that these changes lead to a happier, healthier you!