Summer is back, the warm weather is providing more than enough energy to keep you active and motivated. But how can you make the most of this glorious season?
Exercise
Summer is an excellent time to build your strength up. Strength training, endurance sports, stretching are easier in summer. In fact, there are not many restrictions to exercising in this season.
The only one being is dehydration. Sweating too much can lead to the loss of too much electrolytes. Stay hydrated
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water. Around 2 litres a day is enough, which of course varies for different body types and sizes. Drinking too much water can be just as problematic as drinking too little. It can lead to the loss of too much electrolytes through urination.
If unquenchable thirst is a problem for you, we recommend that you include 1 glass of a drink with high electrolyte content to the amount of water you are already drinking.
Diet
At this time of year melons, berries, green leafy veggies come into season. They all something in common, they will keep you hydrated and cool you down.
Spicy and aromatic foods are also recommended in summer. It will open the pores to produce sweat and cool you down. These are your chills, raw onions, garlic, carbs and spices.
Reduce the amounts of oily, fatty foods, as well as dairy and overly sweet foods.
Shorter cooking times are also recommended. Sautéing and stir frying reduces the time taken to cook and produces light and fresh meals. And don’t forgot your fresh salads which are excellent summertime meals.
Air Conditioning
Try to reduce the temperature gap between your air conditioned space and the outside temperature.
Cold temperatures don’t cause you to get a cold. However, fast temperature changes can put a little duress on the body. If you are prone to catching colds this can set it off.
Common summer illness
Gastroenteritis is common in summer as the warmer temperatures are great for bacteria to grow in. Usually you will get over this in a day or two but if symptoms persist make an appointment with us and we will help you kick it.
Skin rashes, psoriasis, and eczema can flare up in warmer humid environments. This can take some time to recover from but results are achievable with both acupuncture and herbs.
Tinea, athletes foot, jock itch, many names for the same thing. Tinea is actually a fungus that thrives in warm damp environments like your sweaty toes. It can become a chronic or recurring problem if not treated correctly but we have found herbal medicine can be really effective against fungal infections.