Before you bump up the AC, try hitting the fridge. A host of foods can help you chill out on even the most sweltering summer days, says Heather Herington, N.D., a naturopathic doctor based in Sherman Oaks. Spicy stuff like hot peppers, for instance, can rev up perspiration—and, in turn, cool you off as the sweat evaporates. But if your taste buds can’t take the heat, consider turning to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
“In TCM, so-called yin foods are thought to help disperse heat and offset the effects of overheating,” says Herington. Said to promote cleansing and ease inflammation, yin foods include certain veggies (such as cucumbers and asparagus) and fruits (including apples, bananas, avocados, grapefruit, pear, and watermelon), as well as tofu, seaweed, millet, walnuts and sweet potatoes.
Changing up your hydration habits is also key to keeping cool, says Herington, however, “Iced beverages are never a good idea, since they can contract the stomach and disturb the digestive system.” For an alternative to typical iced tea, this naturopath recommends sipping a cup of cooled chrysanthemum tea garnished with a sprig of peppermint.
