When your body feels uncomfortably warm, it can lead to discomfort and fatigue. Whether it’s caused by high temperatures, strenuous physical activity, or dietary choices, reducing body heat naturally can provide relief. In this article, we will explore foods that help lower body temperature, reasons for high body temperature, and when to seek medical assistance instead of relying on home remedies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for persistent or severe health concerns. Additionally, certain foods mentioned may not be suitable for everyone, such as infants, individuals with allergies or chronic diseases, or those on specific dietary plans. Always consider your medical condition and seek medical advice if needed.
Causes of Increased Body Heat
To effectively manage body heat, it’s essential to understand what might be causing it. Common factors include but are not limited to:
- High Environmental Temperatures: Hot weather and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on a hot day and extreme heat can lead to an increase in body temperature, which can be a sign of a heat stroke. This is a common cause of increased body temperature during the summer months.
- Physical Activity: Intense exercise raises your internal temperature as your body works harder to cool down. And did you know that excessive sweating can actually further increase body temperature?
- Dietary Choices: Did you know that consuming spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol can stimulate circulation and heat production in the body?
- Emotional Stress: Stress and anxiety can also contribute to body heat as part of the body’s physiological response.
- Fever and Inflammatory Illness: Fevers are the body’s natural reaction to infections, raising the temperature to help fight off pathogens.
Now that we know some of the most common reasons why body temperature rises let's explore some of the best body-cooling foods that can help to increase the body's ability to restore a normal body temperature.
Best Cooling Foods That Help Reduce Body Heat
Incorporating certain cooling foods into your diet can assist in naturally reducing body heat. Below are some examples for you to consider. Remember that it's also crucial to drink plenty of water to ensure your body is well-hydrated.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens are easy to digest and high in water content, making them excellent for cooling the body. Why not make some healthy salad with leafy greens that's both delicious and cooling?

Watermelon
Due to its high water content, watermelon is highly hydrating and helps regulate the body's temperature. Rich in vitamins C and A, it also supports overall health. Watermelon is also a great source of amino acids and antioxidants.
Cucumber
Cucumber consists of around 95% of water and has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, making it an excellent food for internal cooling. It can be eaten fresh, added to salads or poke bowls, or blended into juices for added hydration.
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are hydrating and light, while their vitamin C content supports the response of the body’s immune system and its cooling mechanisms. Consume separately or add to drinks, e.g. lemon water.

Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in electrolytes like potassium, which helps balance hydration levels and reduce heat in the body. It's no wonder coconuts grow in exotic countries with extremely hot weather! Nature knows the best.
Fresh Mint
The menthol in mint leaves provides a cooling effect. Adding mint to cold drinks, salads, or even teas in the summer season can help promote a sense of freshness and reduce body heat. (Check out this beetroot tortilla wrap recipe that features fresh mint leaves!)
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is not only soothing when applied externally but also effective when consumed as juice. It helps the body cool and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is not only hydrating but also supports digestion, which can indirectly reduce body heat caused by poor gastrointestinal health. Its rich content of water and essential vitamins make it a valuable addition to a cooling diet.
Curd
Curd is an excellent probiotic that aids digestion while providing a cooling effect. Consuming curd as part of meals or in the form of lassi can be highly effective in managing body heat.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt has a cooling effect and is said to aid in digestion. Pairing it with fresh fruits can enhance its nutritional benefits. So, this might be the right time to pair your favorite granola or breakfast bowl with plain yogurt for a delicious and cooling breakfast or afternoon snack.

Fennel Seeds
Soaking fennel seeds in water overnight and consuming the infused water can provide a natural cooling effect and aid in digestion.
Iced Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants that have a calming effect on the body. When served iced, it can be a refreshing way to stay cool.
Onions
Onions, particularly red onions, have natural cooling properties. They are also high in quercetin, which acts as a natural antihistamine and may help your body handle heat more effectively. Including raw onions in salads can enhance their benefits.
Celery
Celery is a wonderful vegetable that's not only water-rich and hydrating but also provides a range of electrolytes, helping to keep the body’s heat in check. It’s ideal for snacking or adding to smoothies and soups for a hydrating boost.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a traditional cooling beverage that not only hydrates but also helps maintain electrolyte balance. Drinking cold buttermilk with a pinch of cumin or coriander can amplify its cooling benefits.
Foods to Avoid When Body Temperature is High
Just as certain foods help in cooling the body, some can exacerbate heat and should be avoided during times of increased body temperature. Here are some of them:
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, like those containing chili peppers, can increase internal heat as they stimulate metabolic activity. This can cause your body to feel even warmer.
Caffeine
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, act as diuretics, promoting dehydration and increasing body heat.
Alcohol
Alcohol can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature by dilating blood vessels and causing dehydration, which may worsen the sensation of heat.
Fried and Fatty Foods
Foods high in unhealthy fats and oils are harder to digest, generating more internal heat during the process.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
Excess sugar can lead to increased metabolic activity, which contributes to the production of heat. Avoid sodas, candies, and pastries during hot spells.
Red Meat
Red meats like beef and lamb are protein-dense and can take longer to digest, generating more heat in the body. Opt for lighter protein sources like fish or eggs instead.
Processed Foods
Highly processed foods, including chips, fast food, and packaged snacks, often contain additives and preservatives that may elevate heat production in the body. (But you are not consuming these anyway, right?...)
When to Seek Medical Help
While these natural remedies can be effective for mild cases, there are situations where medical intervention is necessary. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- High Fever: A body temperature exceeding 103°F (39.4°C) or a fever that does not improve with at-home remedies.
- Symptoms of Heatstroke: Confusion, fainting, or lack of sweating despite exposure to high temperatures may indicate heatstroke, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Persistent Issues: Ongoing overheating accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe fatigue should prompt medical evaluation.
Conclusion
Managing body heat through natural means can be both effective and simple. By incorporating cooling foods into your diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring your body’s responses, you can maintain a healthy, normal body temperature. However, always prioritize safety and seek professional advice if symptoms persist or escalate.
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