Keep Cool!

Originally posted on: http://www.kingstonist.com/2013/07/18/how-to-naturally-stay-cool-in-summer/

Keep Cool! In the midst of this heat wave it can be challenging to stay hydrated and prevent overheating. This week I challenge you to keep cool through nutrition! In addition to drinking plenty of water (at least 2-3L per average adult) and staying out of the sun when possible, there are certain foods you can eat to help you cool off. An important thing to remember about drinking water is that you need to drink it even if you are not thirsty, as thirst itself is not a good predictor of dehydration. Foods such as watermelon and cucumber for example contain 95% water, which help to decrease body temperature. Other water-rich foods include tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and grapefruit. A perfect reason to eat more salad this summer! Astringent foods with moderate to high tannin contents such as bananas, lentils, pomegranates, peppermint, and grapes also promote hydration by contracting the tissues in the body and increasing the absorption of water. To replenish some of the electrolytes lost during sweating consider drinking plain coconut water, which contains sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Keep in mind that most commercially sold coconut waters may not contain enough electrolytes to fully rehydrate you and thus is not considered a complete rehydration solution. The challenge is on: stay cool Kingston! ~Alanna