Cebu City – Summer season is the favorite of many. Who would not love a bright sunny day? But even those who are eager for the summer season would agree that heatwaves can be miserable too. The heat can make us feel lethargic and may cause dehydration. Hence, it is important to be prepared and protected while enjoying the season.

When heat and humidity soar, hydration is important to survive the summer heat. What needs to be remembered? Here are some tips you can do to beat that scorching heat:

• Consuming at least 8 glasses of water is very important to beat the heat. Sweat due to heat can cause fluid loss in the body. This can be replenished by drinking lots of water. Coconut water can be good alternative too.
• Hydrating foods could be a better choice too. You can munch on watermelon, oranges, grapefruits, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Other foods heavy in water content include cauliflower, lettuce and celery that can quench the thirst.

• You can also try fresh juices such as strained cucumber juices, carrots or calamansi juice which can be stored in the refrigerator and could give you refreshing spritz afterwards instead of indulging into high sugar sweetened beverages available in the markets.

• Serve light meals and freshly cooked foods. Eating heavy meals may also contribute to increasing heat in the body making you uncomfortable. After eating large meal, the body needs to work hard to digest the food, and this will increase the core temperature of the body making you feel sweaty and giving you lethargic feeling afterwards. Its importance to cut down salty foods intake and processed foods replacing it with variety of fruits and vegetables.

The blistering heat of the summer is hard not only in our bodies but in our moods too. Following those simple tips may help you feel a bit cooler even if it feels like the sun is hunting you. Don’t let it get you down. Beat the heat! Stay hydrated. // PNFP Mary Bliss Joy P. Iguana, RND