Summer days are approaching Israel with giant steps, and already in the last month we felt several days warmer than usual. Towards the familiar summer weather that not all of us are fans of, it is also important to pay attention to nutrition in order to avoid unnecessary load on the body, which copes with difficulties such as dehydration.
Fried and fatty food
It is hard to resist fried foods, but these are challenging choices for Israel's summer. These are: Foods that weigh down the stomach and slow down digestion, which leads to bloating and acidity. Excess fat slows down gastric emptying, increases body temperature, and may lead to fatigue.
Sweetened and sugar – rich drinks
Consumption of soft drinks and juices rises significantly in summer. Drinking such a drink may feel immediately refreshing, but they contribute very little to hydration. This is because the high sugar content in these drinks may raise blood glucose levels and cause further dehydration. Regular consumption may contribute to metabolic problems and insulin resistance, which makes them especially dangerous for diabetics.
Likewise, it is recommended to also avoid alcohol and caffeine. This is because alcohol dehydrates the body and disrupts temperature regulation, and excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol can reduce hydration levels.
Spicy and heavy sauces
Rich stews in which there are too many spices, too much oil and even sweet cream can tire the stomach. In humid weather conditions, they cause: Acidity, heartburn and loss of appetite. These foods also increase internal heat, which causes a feeling of fatigue and discomfort throughout the day.
Red meat and processed meat
While protein is important, red meat such as lamb and processed meat such as sausages – are harder to digest in hot weather. They increase metabolic heat production and contribute to dehydration, fatigue and pressure on blood vessels, especially in people with heart problems.
Sweets and sugar–rich industrial desserts
Sweets and desserts seem like a tempting option, but their high sugar content causes more harm than good. In summer, excessive sugar consumption may worsen dehydration, reduce the strength of the immune system and cause imbalance in blood glucose levels. This is especially dangerous for people with diabetes. Experts recommend avoiding frozen desserts that contain palm oil, which is a source of saturated fatty acids. Instead of a store–bought frozen dessert, it is recommended to prepare homemade ice cream based on summer fruits.