Summer Heat and Your Body
It's probably not news to you that spending time in the summer heat can have some risks. If the sun is shining bright and temperatures are soaring over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then conditions are brutal. The dangers can increase if it is particularly humid outside. The body adapts to heat in a few different ways. One of these ways is sweating, and sweating only works when sweat evaporates off of the skin. In high humidity, it is more difficult for evaporation to take place.
Another way the body responds to heat is by increasing blood circulation, including to blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin. When blood circulates closer to the skin's surface, it is easier for heat to dissipate. Most of your body's response to heat takes place in the skin. If your body is having a very tough time dealing with the heat, and your blood starts to go above about 98.6 degrees, then you might begin to pant.
The Hazards of Summer Heat
It is critical to limit the time you spend outside and in the sun on very hot days. If you expose yourself to temperatures that are too high and for too long, it can be dangerous. There are a variety of illnesses and effects that can result from exposure to hot weather. All of the following can be mitigated by staying in shady or cool areas, staying hydrated, or avoiding the heat altogether.
Sunburn is a natural effect of too much sunlight hitting the skin. UV rays can damage the skin, causing redness, pain, and sometimes blisters. Heat cramps can also occur, which are characterized by muscle cramps or spasms, along with heavy sweating. Heat rash is the occurrence of groups of blisters on the skin in response to heat.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are conditions that occur when your body can't properly cope with the heat. Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, clammy skin, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. It can be treated by getting to a cooler place and rehydrating. Heat stroke, however, often has most of the same symptoms, but the body's temperature has risen above 103 degrees. This is very dangerous, and calling 911 is necessary at this point.
Supplements and Products to Help You Handle the Heat
Vitamin C might be helpful by reducing the likelihood of heat-induced illness. Supplementing with Vitamin C can be helpful for preventing heat rash and heat exhaustion. It might also help shorten the time it takes for your body to acclimate to the summer heat, perhaps by keeping the sweat glands healthy and functioning longer at a given time.
Calcium is an essential mineral that is expended when heat exhaustion or stroke occur. Correspondingly, supplementing with calcium might help your body respond in prolonged exposure to summer heat. Calcium is also necessary for good health in the summer, as it helps to keep the muscles working; This is important if you're exercising in the summer heat.
Astaxanthin is a supplement that can help prevent UV damage to the skin, thus lessening the chances of sunburn. This is because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Electrolytes are minerals in the blood that carry an electric charge. They are lost when you sweat, so supplementing with them can be helpful when you're exercising or spending time outdoors in the heat. Electrolytes affect your muscles' ability to function, as well as regulate the amount of water that stays in the body, among other things.
Sodium is generally considered the most important electrolyte for the body when facing brutal heat, so we decided to single it out here. Sodium is just as crucial to preventing heat exhaustion as water is. When you sweat, sodium leaves your body just as rapidly as water does. Supplementing with sodium will help prevent heat exhaustion and increase sweating.
Chia seeds are a tasty food that can complement a healthy meal. In addition to providing a variety of health benefits, chia seeds also help the body retain water. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, eat some chia seeds to help those fluids keep you cool.
It's still hot out there, folks. If you haven't already, make preparations now and check out the supplements that might work for you, and proceed with caution as you go back out into the heat.
