Foods to Avoid in Excessive Heat

During the scorching sun and oppressive heat, daily life becomes a challenge. Staying healthy in such conditions is also quite difficult. To maintain wellness in extreme heat, everyone—young and old—should avoid certain foods. It's equally important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as excessive sweating can lead to dehydration.

Drinking sufficient water daily is the best way to regulate body temperature. There are also specific foods that should be avoided in hot weather to prevent dehydration. Here’s a list of foods to steer clear of during excessive heat:

Tea and Coffee

If you want to stay cool and hydrated, avoid or reduce your intake of hot beverages like tea or coffee. These drinks can raise your overall body temperature and irritate the digestive system. Instead, opt for lemon water or mango panna.

Excess Salt

Salt, or sodium chloride, is commonly used to enhance food flavor. However, a high salt diet can lead to swelling, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among other health issues. Excess sodium can damage the kidneys and cause dehydration, as the body draws water from cells. Therefore, be cautious with salt intake during hot weather.

Spices

Experts recommend avoiding spicy foods in the heat. Spicy dishes contain capsaicin, which can adversely affect the digestive system, raising body temperature and leading to excessive sweating, skin rashes, dehydration, and illness.

Fried and Junk Foods

It's widely known that fried foods are not good for health. Consuming junk foods like samosas, burgers, and French fries in the heat can be particularly harmful. These foods can cause dehydration and are difficult to digest, especially in hot weather.

Pickles

While many love pickles, it's best to avoid them in the heat. Pickles are high in sodium, which retains water in the body, leading to swelling. Excessive consumption of pickles can also result in indigestion and may cause various infections and ulcers in the stomach.

By avoiding these foods, you can better manage your health during the hot months.