As the temperatures hit over 100* this week, it’s important to stay hydrated so our body’s systems work optimally. Everyone knows the importance of drinking plenty of water during the summer.  We often forget how food can affect our hydration levels too.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods are typically found in humid, hot climates of the world. The capsaicin in chili peppers causes us to sweat, thereby lowering our core body temperature. This can be helpful at times but too much spicy food can actually cause dehydration because it actually warms up our body first and then cools, depleting our yin, or fluids in the body. Eat spicy foods in moderation during the summer and increase foods that are more hydrating to preserve your body fluids.

Hydrating and Cooling Foods

Foods that are more cooling in nature provide the body with moisture to hydrate the body to keep the body temperature lower. Most people inherently reach for herbs like mint, basil, and dill in the summer which are more cooling in nature. Foods like pineapple, watermelon, and raspberries are also more hydrating.  Adding cucumber to water or having hibiscus mint tea are wonderful and refreshing ways to stay hydrated. Other foods to include this summer are leafy greens, avocados, celery, jicama, radishes, daikon, tomatoes, berries and figs.

One of my favorite summer salads is this Jicama, Radish, and Pepita Salad. If you are one of those cilantro haters (so sad!), you can replace the cilantro with mint and/or basil and it’s still delicious!

Electrolytes

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that carry a negative charge which helps balance water and fluids in your body. If you have ever had muscle cramps, your doctor may have recommended some potassium. I recommend magnesium to everyone for muscle cramps and tightness. These are examples of common electrolytes.

Electrolyte drinks

Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade that are easy to drink to replenish minerals loss from sweating. They can be very helpful in the summer. As we age, it’s also difficult to stay hydrated so if you don’t use electrolytes regularly, summer may be a good time to try. Unfortunately, electrolytes can be full of sugar (or lately stevia or other types of sweeteners) so be careful if you have glucose issues. Coconut water can also be a very good natural electrolyte or you can make your own using coconut water. I have tried a lot of different electrolytes and prefer these Keto drops without any sugar or sweeteners. I also love the electrolytes from Pique Life which does contain monkfruit as a sweetener but it’s light and citrusy without the stevia aftertaste. It’s marketed as a beauty tonic but I like the tiny, individual packages that I can bring with me when traveling or anywhere on the go.

May you stay cool and hydrated this summer! ☀️💦