People across India have been struggling with intense summer heat and rising humidity. To escape the discomfort, many are relying on cold drinks and ice creams. However, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho warns that these only cool the mouth temporarily, not the body.

The Body’s Internal Cooling System

Coutinho explains that the body cools down efficiently when “hydration is adequate, electrolytes stay balanced, digestion functions well, sleep and recovery are protected and ultra-processed, sugary foods are reduced”. “Heat affects more than comfort. We see it impacting digestion, sleep quality, skin flare-ups, headaches, fatigue, irritability, dehydration, and even appetite during peak summers,” he says.

Five Kitchen Staples for Natural Cooling

Cucumber – Light, refreshing, and packed with up to 95 per cent water content, cucumber helps the body stay hydrated during hot days.

Coconut Water – Rich in natural electrolytes, it prevents dehydration and keeps the body refreshed.

Watermelon – Made up of nearly 90 per cent water, it keeps the body hydrated and cool while supporting healthy skin.

Curd – A staple in Indian households, curd is rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion.

Mint (Pudina) – Known for its natural cooling effect, mint helps reduce heat-related discomfort and improves digestion.

The Earthen Pot Bonus

Coutinho also suggests storing water in an earthen clay pot or matka, as it naturally cools the water and is gentler on the body than extremely chilled drinks. In Ludhiana, where temperatures have touched 43 degrees Celsius, residents are increasingly turning to traditional earthen pots. Shopkeepers report that the trend has particularly picked up among well-off urban families seeking a “back to basics” lifestyle.

Coutinho advises avoiding long gaps without fluids, reducing oily and heavy meals, prioritising seasonal foods, and not ignoring signs of dehydration.