Cool It

During these hot, muggy days of summer it may be tempting to reach for icy drinks and foods. But, surprisingly, very cold foods do little to cool you off, and may in fact make you feel hotter. Cold foods put out your agni-your digestive fire (similar to metabolism)-which makes it harder for you to digest foods. Also, cold foods and drinks may raise your metabolism since your body has to work harder to raise their temperature and break it down. All this makes it harder to cool down.

Instead of ice cream or ice water, try eating cooling foods such as cucumbers and melons and eating spices such as cumin and corriander. Drink room temperature water and other fluids.