In the sweltering heat of an Indian summer, it's almost instinctual to reach for a cold drink to cool down. The frosty chill of a soda or iced beverage seems like the perfect remedy to combat the soaring temperatures. However, contrary to popular belief, these chilled refreshments might not be as effective in reducing your body temperature as you think.
Kalpana Gupta, Clinical Nutritionist, Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, Delhi, sheds light on the surprising reality behind why cold drinks fail to cool you down and what you should opt for instead.
"When you consume a cold drink, especially if it's very cold, your body's immediate response is to maintain its core temperature," explains Gupta. "When you ingest a cold beverage, the body perceives this sudden drop in temperature and reacts by attempting to counteract it," she said.
The Illusion of Coolness
Cold drinks can indeed create a temporary sensation of coolness in the mouth and throat. This is because cold-sensitive receptors are stimulated, creating the illusion of cooling down. However, this sensation doesn't translate into a significant reduction in core body temperature.
"The cool sensation is short-lived and primarily affects only the surface of your mouth and throat," says Gupta. "It doesn't significantly impact your overall body temperature."
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The Role of Carbonation and Sugar
In India, cold sodas, often referred to simply as cold drinks, are particularly popular. These beverages introduce another factor: carbonation. The carbon dioxide in sodas can cause bloating and discomfort, which might lead to an increased perception of heat as your body deals with the digestive process.
"Carbonated drinks can make you feel more bloated and uncomfortable," Gupta notes. "This discomfort can paradoxically make you feel hotter, not cooler."
Additionally, the high sugar content in sodas provides a quick energy source that can temporarily boost metabolism, generating more internal heat. "The sugar in these drinks can cause a spike in energy and metabolism, which in turn can increase internal heat production," Gupta adds.
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Effective Cooling Strategies
While cold drinks provide a brief sensation of coolness and can be refreshing, they do not significantly cool down the body. For effective cooling, especially in hot weather or during physical activity, it's more beneficial to rely on methods like proper hydration with moderate-temperature fluids.
"Plain water, green tea, buttermilk, and lemon water are excellent choices for staying hydrated and cool," advises Gupta. "These drinks help maintain hydration without causing the body to work harder to regulate its temperature."
Conclusion
While reaching for a cold drink might seem like a quick fix to beat the heat, understanding the body's response to these beverages can help you make better choices for staying cool. Remember, effective hydration with moderate-temperature fluids is key to keeping your body temperature in check during the scorching summer months.