Heatiness is a condition where the body is unable to release heat and therefore trapped inside the body. This causes the body to heat up and showcase symptoms such as excessive thirst, sore throat, mouth ulcers, constipation, and acne. Even though this concept is foreign in the western hemisphere, it is fairly common in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. On this week's journal, we will be explaining a few tips that you can do to prevent and manage heatiness symptoms. Read on!
1. Consume soothing foods and drinks
Often enough, Indonesia's humid climate forces us to stay cool by wearing clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, in order for the skin to breathe freely. This principal of keeping cool also applies to the food and you consume in order to prevent heatiness symptoms. For example, consume fruits with lots of water content, like watermelon. Constantly rehydrating during a hot day may also help you avoid dehydration as well as potential heatiness. Coconut water can also be consumed, as its cooling properties suit tropical weather. Be reminded to not consume too much of durian as well, as it can get quite heaty.
2. Avoid overconsumption of spicy foods and fried foods
Indonesia is known for its delicious variety of delicacy, including endless options of spicy foods available in every province. No wonder that most of the country's citizens are bound to like spicy foods. When not consumed in moderation, however, humid climate and spicy food consumption is a heaty combination, leading you into having various heatiness symptoms. Therefore, try to set your limits when eating your favorite spicy food and not go overboard.
Similar to spicy foods, fried foods give a heaty effect to the body and may not be suitable when consumed in excess. These foods are typically high in calories and subjected to high cooking temperatures, therefore not recommended when you are trying to prevent heatiness symptoms. Moreover, processed foods like chips and chocolate may also trigger heatiness. Most, if not all packaged chips contains MSG that may give a dry feeling in your throat and exacerbate sore throat potential.
3. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
Consuming too much alcohol and/or caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration if you're not consuming it along with sufficient water intake. These beverages also tend to heat up the body, making it more susceptible to heatiness symptoms. Therefore, if you can't cut off these beverages completely, limit your intake and preferably don't consume them during a hot weather, as it can introduce more unnecessary heat into the body. Opt for a more hydrating and cooling beverages instead, like winter melon tea, chrysanthemum tea, or barley.
4. Take cooling baths
As the humidity might sometimes be unbearable if you're spending most of your time outdoors, it is advisable to take a shower in order to freshen yourself. When it comes to daily shower, try to do it early in the morning so you can wake up feeling refreshed and helps in naturally cooling your entire body system.
5. Consume cooling aids
When it comes to a day where you feel like a sore throat is coming, it is best to consume some cooling beverages, like chrysantemum tea, lo han guo, or barley. Our Balance Madia Cool Down can also be a good option to relieve heatiness symptoms, as the all-natural blend containing Red Algae, Chrysanthemum and Garden Thyme extracts provide you with relief in a simple caplet form, perfect for when you are on-the-go.
