Spent hours in heat? 5 hacks to help your body recover
How to help your body recover after sun exposure (Photo: Magnific)
Summer heat can take a toll on your body, even if you don't notice it right away. After spending a long time in the sun, choosing the right foods can help restore hydration, support your cardiovascular system, and improve your overall well-being, according to an Instagram post by nutritionist Olha Bezuhla.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
According to the expert, it's essential to drink enough water during and after sun exposure to keep your body properly hydrated. Sip water gradually and let your thirst guide how much you drink.
If you've been sweating heavily or spent several hours in the heat, your body also loses electrolytes. In that case, it's helpful to consume electrolyte drinks or eat regular meals that help replenish them.
You should also include water-rich foods in your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, melon, and tomatoes.
Make sure dinner includes protein
After spending time in the sun, your body loses more fluids, and if your skin has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, it begins repairing itself. That's why dinner should be both light and nutritious.
It's important to include enough protein, as it serves as the building block for cells and plays a key role in tissue repair, including skin recovery.
Good sources of protein include fish, chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, and legumes.
For the best results, pair them with a generous serving of vegetables, which provide hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants that help reduce the effects of sun exposure.
Choose healthy unsaturated fats
Unsaturated fats are essential components of cell membranes. They help maintain the skin's protective barrier, support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and may help reduce inflammation.
After spending time in the sun, consider adding foods rich in unsaturated fats to your meals, including avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. According to the nutritionist, these foods provide essential fatty acids that support healthy skin.
Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables
The nutritionist also recommends eating seasonal vegetables, fruits, and berries. They are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols.
These nutrients help the body combat oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet radiation.
"It's best to avoid alcohol and choose water or unsweetened beverages instead of sugary drinks. This will help restore your body's hydration more effectively," Bezuhla said.
The expert also emphasized the importance of applying sunscreen before and during sun exposure to help protect the skin from UV damage.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
