By Carol Krieger, RN, Licensed Acupuncturist

Summer is a great time for being outdoors, but staying healthy and active in our St. Louis heat can be challenge.

Food and drinks for the heat

Heat can dry up body fluids lost through sweating, so it’s important to stay hydrated with plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, especially water. Signs of dehydration include thirst, headache, and voiding small amounts of dark-colored urine. One of the favorite foods of summer – watermelon – is a Chinese herb that treats summerheat or sunstroke. It cools summerheat, moistens and promotes urination.

Other cooling foods include bananas, celery, cucumbers, lemons, lettuce, mung beans, peppermint, radishes, seaweed, and tomatoes.

Eating a balanced diet and adding a little salt that may be lost in sweating decreases the need for sports drinks, which may also have high amounts of sugar. In the summer, most people tend to eat lighter, less-fatty meals. It’s healthy to take advantage of the in-season fruits and vegetables that are available now, especially the exceptionally fresh and flavorful ones available at farmers’ markets. Too much cold and raw food and fluids can result in loose stools. While the tendency in summer is to drink iced drinks, room-temperature fluids are a better choice.

For sore muscles

Everyone has a favorite summer activity – whether it’s running, baseball, badminton, tennis, swimming or even horse shoes. These activities may lead to sore muscles. Eating tart cherries or drinking tart cherry juice can ease this soreness without using medications.

Enjoy your summer, but exercise or work outdoors in the cooler hours of morning or evening during especially hot days. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and enjoy the cooling, fresh food of the season to help you beat the summer heat.