Stay cool

While yoghurt and cheese increase body temperature, seeds like fennel, sesame and poppy keep it in check

There are simple changes in eating habits that can control our body temperature. You can cut down on your favourite junk food and keep yourself cool with these tips:

• Try to steer clear of spicy food — curries, chillies, hot peppers and salsa. Instead gorge on water-laden fruits like honeydew lemon, watermelon, squash, pomegranate and cucumber.
• Yoghurt might be good for the skin but consuming too much of it adds to the body heat. Other sour products like cheese and sour cream also heat up your body.
• Even seeds like sesame, poppy and fenugreek keep the body cool. Have a small quantity of sesame or fenugreek seeds with water every day. Take a spoonful of poppy seeds with water before going to bed.
• The best way to keep your stomach cool is to have fennel seed soaked water every morning. Soak the seeds in warm water over night and drink it in an empty stomach.
• limit excessive salty food, caffeine and alcohol as these promote dehydration.
• Eat a lot of radish because it is water rich and is also a rich source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that lowers body heat. Radishes also have anti-inflammatory properties which is effective for fighting heat stress.
• Pineapple is also the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which is credited for reducing inflammation in the body.
• Spinach, kale, collard greens and romaine aids in healing the body. Since greens have a high water content, they’re easy to digest. This means your body doesn’t have to work as hard, which saves you energy and keeps you cool.
• Zucchini is a great source of the manganese and contains vitamin C. The mineral helps in protecting the body from free radicals (particularly of concern during the summer months when you’re more susceptible to sun damage) and also promotes collagen production and healthy bone and tissue growth.
• Avoid heavy meats which are warming and raise your exertion level and body temperature just in the digestion process. Go for a lighter protein source like a light fish or vegetable sources of protein, like cold beans tossed in a salad.