Here’s the translated text in American English:
With the arrival of high temperatures, many people are concerned about adjusting their diets to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, misinformation on social media and messaging apps can lead to unhealthy habits, increasing health risks. In this context, Herbalife has decided to raise awareness about the most common misconceptions regarding summer nutrition and offer recommendations grounded in scientific evidence.
Extreme heat not only affects sleep and overall well-being but also sparks a series of advice on what foods to consume to cope with high temperatures. However, many of these tips lack scientific basis. Herbalife emphasizes that hydration does not solely depend on the amount of water consumed but is also influenced by electrolyte levels in the body, which are lost through sweat.
Florencia Braga, Dietitian-Nutritionist and Scientific Affairs Manager at Herbalife for the EMEA region, points out that it is common for people to modify their eating habits without proper guidance. Myths such as only being able to eat fruit or the necessity of eliminating protein from the diet can have a negative impact on physical and mental well-being. This can turn summer into a time of health risks.
Among the most widespread myths is the idea that drinking large amounts of water prevents heatstroke. However, excessive water intake in a short period can lead to hyponatremia, a condition that causes confusion and fatigue. Furthermore, while coffee and tea are commonly considered dehydrating, moderate consumption of these beverages is not only harmless but can also contribute to overall fluid intake.
Another myth pertains to the belief that consuming only fruits is sufficient for hydration. While fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe are highly beneficial, they should not replace fluid intake, which should account for 70 to 80 percent of daily hydration. Relying solely on fruits can lead to significant nutritional imbalances.
Additionally, the idea that hot meals should be avoided in summer has gained popularity, when in fact, consuming hot foods can help regulate body temperature by stimulating sweating. In this regard, completely eliminating fats from the diet is another common mistake, as healthy fats are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the absorption of certain vitamins.
Finally, many people choose to skip meals when they feel less appetite due to the heat. However, it is advisable to opt for light, frequent meals that maintain energy without causing heaviness.
Herbalife concludes that it is essential to adopt healthy and sustainable eating habits in the long term, based on information from reliable sources and professionals. It’s not just about coping with the summer heat, but about transforming habits and improving quality of life in a holistic manner.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
