🔥 When the weather turns hot, sweating is a normal (and healthy!) way your body keeps cool. But when sweat shows up at the wrong times — like night sweats or hot flashes — it can signal an imbalance. Let’s explore why we sweat, how to protect yourself from overheating, and some natural ways to cool your body down.
🌡 Why Sweating Matters
Deep inside your brain, the hypothalamus acts as your personal thermostat, working constantly to keep your temperature at about 98.6°F (37°C). When you overheat, it signals the sweat glands to open — releasing moisture that cools the body as it evaporates.
On a hot summer day, you can lose up to a gallon of water per hour through sweat!
In dry desert climates, sweat may evaporate so quickly that your skin barely feels wet — making dehydration easy to miss.
🚨 Warning Signs You’re Getting Too Hot
As dehydration increases and body temperature rises, heat-related symptoms progress:
✅ Heat Cramps (99–100°F)
-
Thirst
-
Irritability
-
Headache
-
Dizziness
-
Heavy sweating
⚠️ Heat Exhaustion (101–102°F)
-
Weakness
-
Loss of appetite
-
Disorientation
-
Confusion
-
Rapid, shallow breathing
❌ Heat Stroke (103–106°F)
-
Delirium
-
Seizures
-
Shock
-
Coma
-
Stroke
-
Possible death
Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911 immediately.
It’s important to recognize these symptoms early, whether you’re hiking, working outdoors, or dealing with a power outage.
💧 How to Cool Down Safely
✅ 1) Drink More Water
Push yourself to drink more than you think you need. A good guideline:
Your urine should be clear or very light yellow
(supplements may affect color).
Because sweating also drains minerals — especially salt — be sure to include natural sea salt to help your body retain hydration.
🌴 2) Find Shade & Rest
Exertion increases internal heat and water loss. This is why many warm-climate cultures embrace the afternoon siesta — a rest during the hottest hours of the day.
Work in the cool morning or evening when possible.
🍋 3) Eat Foods That Help You Stay Cool
Heavy, fatty foods increase heat production. Light, hydrating foods help cool you from the inside out.
Choose more:
-
Fresh fruits
-
Water-rich vegetables
-
Low-calorie foods
-
Antioxidant-rich berries
Sour fruits — like lemons, limes, raspberries, and wolfberries — help reduce heat and inflammation naturally.
🔥 A Delicious Cooling Drink: Thai-Go Lemon-Aid
Many sour, heat-reducing fruits are found in Thai-Go, making it a fantastic summer beverage.
Here’s a refreshing recipe:
✨ Thai-Go Lemon-Aid
-
Mix freshly-squeezed lemon juice with equal parts pure maple syrup
(creates a simple lemon-aid base) -
Add 3–5 tbsp of this base to cool water (adjust to taste)
-
Stir in 1 tbsp Thai-Go
(adjust to taste)
For extra hydration, try adding it to sparkling water — a delicious, soda-like refresher that hydrates faster than sugary drinks.
This is an excellent way to stay cool when working or playing outside.
💡 Final Thoughts
Sweating is one of the body’s most powerful tools for temperature regulation. But knowing how to recognize heat stress — and how to hydrate and replenish minerals properly — can help protect you from serious danger.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and listen to your body!