The Quick Fix when it comes to cooling down in summer
As temperatures rise in certain parts of the world during the summer, here's a tip to help you stay cool. Drinking coldwater is a more effective method for cooling down and enhancing performance in hot conditions compared to pouring water on your body.
However, this quick cooldown strategy has potential drawbacks. When you're feeling overheated, it's natural to want to douse yourself with cold water or use a cool towel. While these methods aren't necessarily bad, they can confuse your body.
Placing a cool towel on the back of your neck, for example, might actually hinder your cooling process. According to an episode of Science Quickly, your brain regulates your body's temperature, with the heating and cooling receptors located near the back of your neck. Applying cold to this area can trick your brain into thinking you're cooler than you are, causing it to shut down your body's other cooling mechanisms, which can keep you dangerously hot.
Instead, here are two more effective ways to cool your body:
Drink cold water, but not too quickly: This straightforward method is highly effective, but it's important to avoid drinking too much too fast to prevent confusing your body's natural signals. Instead, sip the cold water. For optimal hydration, use the Galpin Equation by Andy Galpin. Divide your body weight in pounds by 30 to determine the ounces of water to drink every 15 minutes during intense exercise. For instance, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should drink approximately 6 ounces of water (180/30) every 15 minutes.
Run cool water over your hands or feet: Though it might seem unusual, running cool water over your palms or the soles of your feet can help you cool down faster. These areas, known as "non-hairy skin," contain special blood vessels that facilitate quicker cooling. The water doesn't need to be freezing—cool water will suffice.
