Lecture Notes: Managing Body Heat through Diet

Importance of Body Heat

• Essential for digestion, metabolism, and regulating body temperature.
• Excessive body heat can lead to noticeable symptoms:
  • Excessive sweating with a foul smell.
  • Severe thirst, intolerance to sunlight, redness, rashes, pigmentation, burning sensation in palms/soles, irritation in eyes.
  • Signs like premature graying, excessive hair fall, heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Sore burps, mouth ulcers, irritability.

Causes of Increased Body Heat

• Mainly due to improper diet.
• Consumption of certain foods can raise body heat quickly, especially during summer.

Foods that Increase Body Heat

1. Red Chili Powder

   • Contains capsin, causing gut inflammation, potentially leading to ulcers.
   • Alternatives: Use green chilies and black pepper instead.
   • Black pepper contains pipper which is anti-inflammatory.

2. Dry Fruits (e.g., Almonds)

   • Generate heat when eaten dry.
   • Solution: Soak in water overnight, peel before eating to aid digestion.

3. Deep Fried Foods

   • Heavy and require more heat for digestion.
   • Avoid eating outside; use pure mustard oil if homemade.

4. Mangoes

   • Heat-inducing but nutritious.
   • Tips: Soak for an hour before eating, consume in moderation, drink diluted milk-water post-consumption.

5. Tea

   • Increases body heat, leads to acidity.
   • Reduce intake; use smaller cups to limit consumption.

Foods to Reduce Body Heat

1. Ashcard (Winter Melon)

   • Contains 96% water, cooling effects, improves digestion.

2. Watermelon

   • 92% water, replenishes and cools body.
   • Eat seeds; beneficial and can be costly if bought separately.

3. Coconut Water

   • Contains electrolytes, antioxidants, prevents heat stroke.
   • Especially beneficial for kidney stone sufferers.

4. Sugar Cane Juice

   • Cooling for liver, reduces inflammation.
   • Recommended for fatty liver and hyperpigmentation.

5. Goonkatira (Tragacanth Gum)

   • Cooling properties; often used in summer drinks.
   • Enhances liver health, bodily strength, and skin glow.

Conclusion

• Excessive body heat indicates dietary imbalances.
• Eliminating heat-inducing foods and incorporating cooling foods can alleviate symptoms.
• Follow practical tips for maintaining a balanced body temperature.