Heat's Impact on Appetite: Unraveling the Medical Reasons
**Hot Weather and Appetite: Understanding the Connection**
In the sweltering heat of summer, it's not uncommon for our appetites to take a dive. A recent interview with Dr. Yana Shmeleva, a therapist at Vidnoye Clinic, sheds light on why this happens.
The decrease in appetite during hot weather is primarily due to three key factors: internal heat generation, prioritization of hydration, and psychological factors.
1. **Internal Heat Generation**: When we eat, our bodies work hard to digest the food, generating internal heat. This heat can exacerbate feelings of warmth and discomfort in hot weather, leading to a natural desire to eat less.
2. **Prioritization of Hydration**: In hot conditions, the body prioritizes hydration over hunger. Even mild dehydration can reduce hunger signals due to hormonal changes, such as lower levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
3. **Psychological Factors**: Feeling hot and sweaty can make eating less appealing, contributing to reduced appetite.
While the interview did not provide specific dietary recommendations for summer, general advice includes staying hydrated, opting for cool, light meals, and avoiding certain hard-to-digest or dehydrating foods. It's also important to eat regular meals to maintain energy levels and support overall health.
For personalized dietary advice, consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian like Dr. Shmeleva would be beneficial. It's also worth noting that the body's need for calories decreases in summer, so it's recommended to include more low-calorie products in the diet.
However, it's essential to remember that everyone's body responds differently to heat. If you're concerned about your appetite or overall health during hot weather, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
In the interview, Dr. Shmeleva also highlighted a hazardous food that can potentially poison the body, but did not specify which food. It's crucial to be aware of the foods we consume and to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Lastly, it's important to note that the decrease in appetite during hot weather is a normal bodily reaction. If you find yourself struggling with a lack of appetite or other symptoms, it's always best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
This interview with Dr. Shmeleva was conducted by RIA Novosti. The interview did not provide information about dinner time in winter or any other seasons.
- Maintaining one's mental health during summer could be just as important as understanding the impact of hot weather on appetite, as feelings of discomfort and decreased appetite might affect one's overall mood and well-being.
- Incorporating nutrition knowledge into a health-and-wellness routine can help individuals make informed decisions about their diet, ensuring they consume safe and healthy foods, particularly during summer when the body's need for calories decreases and psychological factors might influence meal choices.
