The article is informational and health-related, and does not pertain to a specific incident location such as a city, state, or country event. During peak summer months in India, people often turn to foods and drinks that feel cold in an attempt to beat the heat. However, health experts caution that many commonly consumed “cooling” items like ice cream, sugary beverages, and ultra-chilled drinks may provide only temporary relief and can sometimes have the opposite effect on the body. While these foods feel refreshing initially, they do not necessarily help regulate internal body temperature in a sustained manner.

Doctors explain that the body maintains its temperature through metabolic processes, and digestion itself generates heat. This phenomenon, known as diet-induced thermogenesis, means that foods high in sugar, fat, or calories—such as ice cream and sweetened drinks—can actually increase internal heat during digestion. According to physicians, this effect may be mild but becomes more noticeable when such foods are consumed frequently or in large quantities during hot weather.

Experts also point out that ice-cold beverages and sugary soft drinks may interfere with digestion and hydration. Extremely cold liquids can temporarily slow down digestive activity by constricting blood vessels in the stomach, sometimes leading to bloating or discomfort. In addition, sugary drinks may spike blood sugar levels and increase thirst, ultimately making hydration less effective compared to water or electrolyte-rich fluids.

Also Read: What Foods Help Sore Muscles Recover Faster After A Workout?

Nutrition specialists highlight that traditional dietary practices often provide more effective cooling alternatives. Ingredients such as cumin, fennel, ginger, and fermented drinks like buttermilk or lassi are known to support digestion and help regulate body temperature. These foods may not feel “cold” in the conventional sense, but they assist the body in maintaining balance by improving metabolic efficiency and reducing digestive stress.

Experts also stress the importance of hydration and light meals during extreme heat. Water-rich fruits such as watermelon and cucumber, along with coconut water and simple home-cooked dishes, are considered more effective for cooling the body. These options help replenish fluids and electrolytes while avoiding the heavy digestive load associated with sugary or high-fat foods.

Overall, specialists emphasise that effective cooling during summer is less about temperature and more about how the body processes food. While indulgent cold treats may offer momentary comfort, balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and easily digestible foods are more reliable ways to stay healthy and cool during extreme heat conditions.

Also Read: Doctors Explain Biological Reasons Lassi Makes You Feel Sleepy