The best ways to reduce body heat

The human body reacts to external and internal changes. Body temperature rises when the outside temperature rises, but not when the inside temperature rises.

Experts estimate that the normal body temperature is a reliable source of 98.6ºF (37ºC), but it can vary up to 0.9ºF (0.5ºC) depending on the time of day. The average body temperature also varies slightly from person to reliable source

It is common for intense physical activity or a hot day to be higher than normal body temperature. However, a reliable source of 100.4ºF (38ºC) body temperature may indicate fever.

Hot outside temperatures, intense physical activity, fevers and certain medications can all cause high body temperature.

In this article, we will explain eight tips for reducing body heat and the common causes of high body temperature.

How to reduce body heat

Body heat can be reduced in two different ways: externally or internally.

Jumping into a cold pool is an example of outdoor cooling, while ingesting cold water can help lower body temperature indoors.

The human body always controls its temperature, and it can lower it in four different ways.

• Evaporation, which is reached by perspiration
• Radiation, i.e. the release of heat into the surrounding air
• Convection occurs when cold air surrounds the body
• Conduction, which is the transfer of body heat to nearby cold water or ice

Tips to reduce body temperature

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. It checks the body's current temperature against its normal temperature and then regulates it.
When the body is very hot, it is controlled by sweat to cool it down. When it is too cold, the hypothalamus triggers a tremor to warm it up.

While this may seem negative, eating spicy foods and engaging in sweat-inducing processes will keep the body cool compared to outdoor temperatures. Because body temperature decreases due to sweating.

Below are eight tips to reduce body heat:

1. Drink cool liquids
Drinking cool liquids, such as water or iced tea, can help reduce body temperature by cooling the body internally. The regular intake of fluids can also prevent dehydration, which can increaseTrusted Source body heat.

2. Go somewhere with cooler air
People can reduce their body temperature by moving to an area with a cooler external temperature. The body will lose heat by convection.

3. Get in cool water
Swimming in cool water, taking a lukewarm bath, or applying cold water to the body can reduce body temperature. In these cases, body temperature will decrease as a result of conduction.

4. Apply cold to key points on the body
Applying cold water or ice to strategic points on the body where the veins are close to the surface — such as the wrists, neck, chest, and temples — can quickly lower the temperature of the blood running through these veins. This allows the body to feel cooler.

5. Move less
The body releases heat when it moves. In hot temperatures, a person is likely to feel less hot if they avoid heavy exercise and limit their movement.

6. Wear lighter, more breathable clothing
Heat passes more easily through some fabrics than others. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, allow heat to escape from the body more easily than synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and nylon.

7. Take heat regulating supplements
Depending on the cause of high body temperature, taking a supplement may help regulate body heat.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source that compared plant extracts found that both evening primrose oil and black cohosh were effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in people going through perimenopause or menopause.
Black cohosh also reduced the frequency of hot flashes.
Learn more about taking black cohosh during menopause here.

8. Talk to a doctor about thyroid health
At times, high body heat may be due to an overactive thyroid. When this is the case, a person might also notice other symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, jaundice, and confusion.
Anyone who thinks that they might have a thyroid issue should speak to a doctor.
Potential causes of feeling hot
The cause of high body temperature can be external or internal. Below, we list some of the main reasons why a person may feel hotter than usual: