With Britain braced for another heatwave next week, keeping cool is at the forefront of many people’s concerns. The UK could witness record-breaking temperatures next Tuesday, with predictions of 41C that might exceed the current record of 40.3C established in July 2022.
In such sweltering conditions, remaining cool can seem nearly impossible – but one study suggests there’s a straightforward method to reduce your core temperature without relying on a fan or spending any money. According to a 2012 study in the Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health by exercise physiologist and researcher Matt Brearly, there’s a simple technique to rapidly cool down and prevent heat exhaustion – simply by consuming slushies. These aren’t the sugar-laden slushies, though – the research discovered that drinking equal measures of crushed ice and water can reduce your core body temperature in hot weather.
This is because crushed ice absorbs considerably more heat as it melts within your body and eliminates heat before the water reaches body temperature.
While the study advocates its use by the military, it can prove equally effective for individuals attempting to stay cool amid soaring temperatures.
If you work outdoors or wish to exercise, consuming an ice slushy before venturing out or during breaks can lower your core temperature between 0.3 and 1.1 C.
It works because ice demands a substantial amount of energy to melt – and that heat originates from your body.
Crushed ice absorbs approximately three times as much heat as an equivalent amount of cold water. To employ this technique, the study suggests consuming approximately five to seven grams of crushed ice per kilogram of body weight.
It should be consumed gradually, roughly half an hour before exercise or venturing outdoors.
Nevertheless, while this can reduce body temperature, it’s crucial to note that it does not substitute drinking water.
During hot weather, it remains essential to continue drinking water throughout the day to replenish the fluids lost through perspiration.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
