14 hours ago
When hot drinks help keep you cool
Drinking something hot might actually cool you down.
Why it matters: As millions of Americans experience record-breaking heat this summer, finding ways to cool down and stay hydrated is more important than ever.
What they're saying:"When we have a hot drink, we sweat more, and when we sweat more, it cools us down more than, say, a cold drink," William Kornrich, internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone Medical Associates – Riverhead, told Axios in 2023.
Yes, but: That's true as long as you're not wearing a lot of clothing and not in an extremely humid place — because sweat needs to evaporate to draw heat from the body.
"The real important thing is that you're getting fluid into your system on a regular basis," Kornrich said.
Be smart: Listen to your body, Kornrich said.
"Water is wonderful," but if you're exerting yourself, consider supplementing with electrolyte drinks.
If you need more help cooling down, you could use ice or a cold compress on your skin "where veins are a little bit more prominent, such as our groin and underarms."
Hydrate and get out of the sun if you've got cold and pale skin, a rapid or weak pulse, muscle spasms, dizziness or nausea. Those are signs of heat exhaustion.
