12 Tips to Reduce Body Heat

Body heat, often known as heat stress, is usually caused by prolonged exposure to heat. The body's normal temperature ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit). The body becomes overheated when it cannot cool itself to maintain a normal temperature. This leads to the common question of how to reduce body heat.

Hot and humid weather, tight clothing, excessive sun exposure, rigorous workouts, physical activity, and certain medical disorders can exacerbate body heat. Symptoms typically include lethargy, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, headaches, and a rapid heartbeat, followed by general weakness. Additionally, body heat often leads to frequent dehydration. There are several methods to alleviate this condition, including avoiding tight clothing, seeking shaded or well-ventilated environments, and occasionally taking a cold shower. In this blog, we will discuss in detail how to reduce body heat.

Reasons Body Temperature May Rise

Below are some of the reasons why body temperatures might rise:

• Infections that cause inflammation are a major reason for an increase in body heat. This can result in the person experiencing a fever.
• Hyperthyroidism often leads to increased body heat. The body starts producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, causing the body temperature to rise beyond normal levels.
• Spending prolonged periods in humid conditions can elevate body temperature, leading to heat flashes.
• Engaging in vigorous physical activity can result in a high body temperature.
• Spending time in direct sunlight can also lead to a reduction in the body's water content, resulting in exhaustion and an increase in body heat.
• Wearing tightly-fitting synthetic clothes can raise body temperature. These fabrics are so snug that they restrict airflow, making the person feel hot and uncomfortable.
• Consuming excessive amounts of greasy, oily, or spicy foods, as well as high-protein foods like nuts and meats, can increase the risk of heat exhaustion.
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine can also contribute to elevated body temperature. 
• Some medical conditions, such as leukaemia, arthritis, and neurological illnesses, can affect body temperature.
• Medications like antibiotics, painkillers, and antihistamines can also lead to an increase in body temperature.
• Dehydration can reduce the body's ability to sweat and cool down, thus maintaining a normal temperature becomes more challenging.

Now that the reasons for a heated body are known, let’s dive into how to reduce body heat immediately!

 12 Tips to Reduce Body Heat

Here's how to reduce body heat with the 12 tips given below - 

1. Coconut Water: If you are wondering how to reduce body heat naturally, coconut water is one of the best ways to revive and rehydrate the body. When someone experiences heat stress, coconut water can help with dehydration due to its rich vitamin, mineral, and electrolyte content. It is advisable to consume coconut water several times a day if dealing with body heat. Additionally, coconut water is safe and easily digestible, making it an immediate solution for cooling down the body.

2. Lemon: Lemon provides a natural solution to the question of how to control body heat. It helps keep the body cool, reducing heat-related ailments due to its high vitamin C content. Moreover, it keeps a person feeling rejuvenated and energised during hot summer days, while also providing hydration and oxygenation for the body.

3. Peppermint: Menthol, known for its cooling properties, is the answer to the burning question of how to naturally reduce body heat. Drinking and consuming peppermint, which is high in menthol, induces a cooling sensation. One can prepare a peppermint drink, store it in the fridge, and consume it throughout the day to stay cool.

4. Sandalwood: Sandalwood has calming and cooling effects on the human body, making it the best solution for cooling down body heat. To utilise its benefits:

• Create a thick paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder with enough water or cold milk.
• Apply the paste to the forehead and chest after adding a few drops of rose water.
• Once it dries naturally, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Sandalwood powder can also be applied to the chest and underarms before showering to maintain a cool body temperature.

5. Hydrating Foods: Strawberries, watermelon, and cantaloupe are hydrating foods, rich in water content, suitable for reducing body heat. Celery, cucumber, and cauliflower can also help in regulating body temperature. Additionally, yoghurt is a cooling snack; you can enhance its cooling effect by adding ice and blending it into a nutritious smoothie.

6. Buttermilk: Studies show that one of the effective natural therapies for removing heat from the body is buttermilk, especially for individuals with extremely high metabolisms and women experiencing hot flashes. Additionally, it compensates for the body's loss of essential vitamins and minerals due to excessive sweating. Hence, it is advisable to drink buttermilk with breakfast to keep the body cool throughout the summer day.

7. Fenugreek: It is beneficial to drink fenugreek tea when the weather is extremely hot, as it induces sweating and helps you cool off. It's even better to prepare the tea and chill it in the fridge before drinking. Moreover, fenugreek may assist the body in cleansing and eliminating excess fluids. Thus, it provides a natural solution for reducing stomach heat.

8. Light Clothes: When in the sun, it's advisable to stay cool by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and carrying an umbrella or parasol. Choose natural textiles like linen, cotton, or silk that are light in colour and loose-fitting. This is the answer to how to effectively control body heat!

9. Chilli: Eating spicy food may make a person feel warm but can also cool the body down. This is because the capsaicin in chilies signals to the brain that the body is overheating. Consequently, the body starts to sweat more than usual, lowering the temperature. Therefore, consuming chilli and spicy food is a natural way to reduce body heat.

10. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a medicinal plant and one of the best solutions to reducing body heat. The inner gel and the leaves can help lower body temperature. For a cooling effect, apply aloe vera gel to the skin and leave it for a few minutes. Then, rinse it off with tap water. You can also store it in the fridge for a few hours before applying it for a more pronounced cooling effect. Additionally, aloe vera can be used to make refreshing juice or smoothies.

11. Sitali Yoga: The Sitali yoga method can help cool down both the body and the mind. Here's how to do it:

• Sit down in a relaxed position.
• Extend the tongue, then roll the edges like a hot dog bun. If the tongue does not roll, you can use your lips.
• Inhale slowly through the mouth.
• Exhale through the nose.
• Repeat this process for up to five minutes.

12. Talk to a Physician: An overactive thyroid can occasionally cause a person to feel excessively hot all over. Individuals with this condition may also experience other symptoms such as sweating, a rapid heartbeat, jaundice, and dizzy spells. Therefore, if you suspect you may have a thyroid condition, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

What are the reasons for body heat?

Body heat can be caused by several reasons:

• Physical Activity: When you exercise or exert yourself physically, your muscles produce heat.
• External Environment: Hot weather or being in a hot environment can raise your body temperature.
• Illness or Infection: Fever caused by illness or infection can increase body heat.
• Metabolism: Your body generates heat as a natural byproduct of metabolism, especially after eating.
• Hormonal Changes: Changes in hormones, such as during menopause, can sometimes lead to feelings of heat.

Normal Body Temperature for Different Demographics

When to see a doctor

If someone has a body temperature of 103ºF (39.4ºC) or higher, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

For caregivers of infants under 3 months old, a rectal temperature of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher warrants a visit to the doctor.

In children older than 3 months, a temperature of 102.2ºF (39ºC) or a fever persisting longer than 24 hours should prompt medical attention.

People should also consult a doctor if they experience higher-than-normal body temperature along with any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Irritability, drowsiness, or weakness
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Vomiting
• Refusal to drink fluids or signs of dehydration
• Signs of rash or infection

Conclusion

If you are experiencing excessive body heat, we recommend trying the remedies mentioned above. However, if your body temperature does not decrease even after trying home remedies, it is time to seek medical advice. At CARE Hospitals, our doctors are highly qualified, continuously updating their knowledge to provide the best care possible. If you are struggling with a high temperature that you cannot explain, please schedule a consultation with us. We are here to take care of you!

FAQs

1) Who is at risk of overheating? 

People at higher risk of overheating include:

• Athletes exercising in hot weather
• Elderly individuals
• Infants and young children
• Individuals with certain medical conditions like obesity or heart disease

2) Which foods reduce body heat? 

Foods that can help cool the body include:

• Cucumber
• Watermelon
• Coconut water
• Mint
• Yogurt

3) When should I be worried about excess body heat? 

You should be concerned if you experience:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

4) What causes heat in the body? 

Body heat is primarily generated by:

• Physical activity or exercise
• Metabolism (digestion and energy production)
• External heat sources (such as hot weather or saunas)

5) Which drink removes heat from the body? 

Drinks that can help cool the body include:

• Water
• Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile
• Coconut water
• Aloe vera juice

6) Why is my body hot but no fever? 

Possible reasons for feeling hot without a fever include:

• Hormonal changes (such as during menopause)
• Stress or anxiety
• Medications that affect body temperature regulation
• Excessive physical activity