What Food To Eat To Stay Cool Summer Months

By the Acuworx Team

Why Diet Matters in Hot Weather

According to Chinese Medicine, the fire element is associated with the small intestine which communicates with the stomach, spleen, bladder, and large intestine. Too much stress, over-eating, eating too quickly, etc. may cause an imbalance in the small intestine which can manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. While acupuncture on a regular basis can help regulate small and large intestinal functions, there are certain hydrating foods you can add to your summer diet to reduce indigestion.

Summer is in full swing! Here are some foods to incorporate into your summer diet in order to stay cool: 

Incorporate high water content foods like watermelon, cucumber, lettuce to help regulate your body temperature, especially if you run on the warmer side. While Chinese medicine advises against eating too much cooling or raw foods. However, in the warmer months, some cooler foods can be helpful. What are the best foods to eat to stay cool in summer heat?

Top Cooling Foods for Summer

Fruits to Hydrate and Refresh

1. Watermelon 

1. Watermelon (Xi Gua) is considered sweet and cold (Yin) and enters the heart, stomach, and bladder meridian pathways 

2. Benefits & why 

1. Clears heat, relieving both thirst and irritability

2. Has the ability to help relieve heat exhaustion, also known as “summer heat” 

3. To relieve heat exhaustion, incorporate the white rind as well as the red fruit 

   Check out our TCM-inspired refreshing watermelon smoothie here.

2. Cucumber

1. Considered sweet and cold in TCM. It enters the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians. 

2. Benefits & why

1. Reduces swelling

2. Alkaline producing, neutralizes acid in blood 

3. Detoxes the body

Vegetables for Cooling Effects

1. Lettuce 

1. Cool in temperature, sweet & bitter with ability to regulate qi circulation

2. Benefits & why

1. Clears heat

2. Regulates water circulation

Herbs for Cooling Effects

1. Mint

1. Aromatic, cooling, and enters the lung and liver meridians. 

2. Benefits & why

1. Relieves heat and fever

2. Benefits liver Qi

3. Lifts mood 

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Not sure which summer food is best for you? Our team would be happy to discuss your unique needs. Feel free to schedule a complimentary phone consultation. Our team can help develop a plan to beat the heat with hydrating and cooling foods in summer.

Stay tuned for our recipe on Instagram!