Because the summer heat takes away our appetite

With the body focused on avoiding overheating, digestion loses priority on days of intense heat, which helps explain the lack of appetite and the preference for light, fresh and water-rich foods.

When temperatures soar, many people feel like the appetite drops suddenly. The thought of eating a hot meal becomes the last thing we think about when the heat becomes too much to bear.

This doesn’t happen because the body is being weird. The main reason why the simple act of eating becomes so unattractive in the heat is mainly related to the effort of the body to continue functioning and prevent overheating.

For metabolism and many other physiological functions to proceed correctly, the body needs to maintain a average internal temperature of 37°C. Body temperature is strictly controlled by the brain’s thermal regulation center, the hypothalamus.

If the internal temperature becomes too low or too highthe action of enzymes and other biochemical reactions may slow down or stop working properly. Therefore, it is essential that the average internal temperature is tightly regulated.

Several factors can affect the body’s core temperature, including infections, exercise and physical exertion, hormones, alcohol and drugs, he explains. Dan Baumgardtprofessor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol, in an article in .

A ambient temperature also counts. Thus, during periods of heat, the body activates several cooling mechanisms to prevent external heat from increasing internal temperature.

A perspirationfor example, helps us cool down. The body also flattens the hair on the skin to prevent it from retaining heat.

O blood flow is equally crucial. When you try to cool down, the body directs warm blood to the skin so that heat can radiate outward. This also means that blood flow is diverted from other areas of the body, including the intestine.

After we eatblood is normally routed to the intestineo, where it is used in the digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients. But in hot conditions, the body is trying to release heat, not keep it. Digestion also increases the workload. The absorption, transport and storage of nutrients consume energy and generate heat.

That’s why, the body reduces blood flow and intestinal activity to slow down these processes. This is one of the reasons why appetite tends to decrease in hot weather.

Heat and the intestine

Our appetite results from balance between two opposing factors: hunger and satiety, that is, the feeling of being full.

Part of this balance is hormone controlleds, namely the ghrelinwhich makes you feel hungry, and leptin, PYY and GLP-1which contribute to the feeling of satiety.

Some studies suggest that heat exposure can and , although the results are not consistent. Therefore, it is unlikely that hormones are the only explanation.

There is also a overlap between hunger and thirst. One can easily be confused with the other, as both are regulated by the hypothalamus.

When it’s hot and our body temperature rises, we sweat more to cool down. This means that we lose more fluids and that mineral levels in the blood fluctuate. To compensate and avoid dehydrationthe brain triggers the sensation of thirst, leading us to drink more fluids.

This headquarters response It also helps explain why we’re not necessarily hungry when it’s hot: the body prioritizes hydration instead of food. While this helps cool us down, drinking too much at once can make us feel bloated, which can further reduce our appetite.

That’s why it is preferable to give priority to lighter foodsfresh and water-rich foods, such as fruit, salad vegetables and light dairy products, including milk and yogurt.

Foods rich in protein and carbohydrates tend to generate more metabolic heat during digestion, precisely what the body is trying to avoid.

O thermal stress it also tends to make the stomach empty more slowly, meaning we feel full for longer. The intestine also sends a message to the brain indicating satiety. This is another reason why we can feeling bloated or full during hot weather.

The balance between heat and hunger is dynamic. In a heat wave, the body changes priorities: cooling down becomes much more important than digesting and absorbing a heavy meal.

Still, even when the heat hits, it’s important to remember that feeding your body remains essential. It may just be necessary to adjust the way we replenish energy and nutrients while staying fresh.

Cooling down your body should help you regain your appetite.. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive physical activity, wearing loose clothing and applying cold compresses can help lower body temperature.

At the table, The ideal is to opt for small, frequent mealswith nutritious foods — especially those rich in water and electrolytes, to replace what may have been lost through sweating.

Protein continues to be important. Divide it into smaller portions throughout the day can help.

Foods such as nuts, dairy products, vegetables, legumes, avocados, olives and cereals are good energy-dense options and are very present in many Mediterranean diets. They can help ensure a balanced diet — even when the appetite is low and the heat is intense.