By Maddy Johnson & Jessi Bustamante
When attempting to keep cool, we often think about what we can do, rather than what we can consume. Although fans, drawing the blinds and drinking more water are all great strategies to stay cool during the summer months, what we eat and drink can make a huge difference as well.
While water comes to mind right away, the body also needs electrolytes and some salt to avoid the worst effects of heat exhaustion. That’s why it’s recommended to “eat your water” through foods that make the heat more bearable due to their high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, and celery. Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, are also great to eat during a heat wave, as they aid digestion. Though this sounds counterintuitive, hot drinks/foods can also cool you down in a heat wave by making you sweat! This only works, however, if your sweat is able to evaporate.
Just as there are foods that promote cooling, there are also foods and drinks that are best to consume in moderation in a heat wave. Dehydrating foods and drinks, such as processed foods, salty foods, alcohol, coffee, are best avoided when it is super hot out. Meat is also warming in that it takes a lot of energy to digest, effectively heating up the body.
We asked the Food Production Department how they’re staying cool in this July heat - here were their pearls of wisdom:
Nat Stein, Food Production Director: Soak a bandana in the coldest water you can and then drape that over your neck with your shoulders covered. Seriously effective, I tell you.
Shane Nelson, Farm Manager: If it’s really hot out, I’ll mix my water with a pinch of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup per 16 oz of water. The sea salt helps replace sodium and trace minerals lost in sweat and the maple syrup has an ideal ratio of glucose to sucrose, which increases the body’s ability to absorb water. Kind of like gatorade, but without all the added sugar.
Hayden Strait, Compost Collections Coordinator: It’s important to get rehydrated, so drink more than you think you need. Iced tea (I love herbal teas) or lemon in water help me to drink more, and increase the nutrition of what I’m drinking. Electrolytes are key, so light snacking through the day is a big help, better than big meals!
Turner Black, Compost Collections Coordinator: Do stuff in the morning and manage your activities carefully… we should bring back the siesta.