Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using medically sound methods
• Method 2 of 2: Making lifestyle changes

The body temperature of the average adult human is normally around 37 degrees, but can fluctuate depending on certain conditions. If you are physically active in a warm environment, or exposed to a warm environment for an extended period of time, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. If your body temperature has reached 40 degrees Celsius, you can get heat stroke. Too low a body temperature can be equally dangerous, with a drop of three degrees to 35 degrees Celsius enough to develop hypothermia. Lowering your body temperature for short periods can help prevent heat stroke. In addition, this can help you sleep better and lower a fever, where it is important to know how to do this safely.

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Method 1 of 2: Using medically sound methods

1. Drink something cool. Drinking enough cool drinks, 2 to 3 liters in a row, is a good way to lower your body temperature quickly and safely.
   • Drinking adequate amounts of water can prevent dehydration, which is very important in hot environments and during physically exhausting activities.
   • Sugary drinks and ice creams are not as good as pure water because sugary drinks are not sufficiently absorbed by the body, which in turn can lead to further dehydration.
2. Eat crushed ice. Studies suggest that eating crushed ice can be an effective way to cool the body quickly and easily. Crushed ice also helps to prevent the body from drying out.
3. Take a cold shower or ice bath. Most doctors agree that cooling the skin is the most effective way to lower the body's temperature, especially if a person is at risk for heat stroke. Taking a cold shower or soaking in an ice bath can be a particularly effective way to quickly cool the skin, especially in environments where it is very humid and the body is no longer able to sweat properly.
   • Run cold water over your head, as this is where some of the blood vessels come together. Cooling the scalp can quickly cool the rest of your body.
4. Place ice packs on your body. Certain parts of the body sweat more to help cool your body temperature. These spots, the hot spots, are the neck, armpits, back and groin. Positioning ice packs in these areas can help cool down and lower your body temperature.
5. Relax in an air-conditioned environment. Experts believe that air conditioning is one of the most important factors in preventing overheating and heat-related deaths.
   • If you don't have an air conditioner at home, spend some time with friends or family during heatwaves (or if it's particularly humid and hot) who do, or contact your doctor to discuss this.
6. Sit in front of a fan. When a liquid, in this case sweat, evaporates from the body, the hottest moisture molecules will evaporate the fastest. Since the air temperature is generally cooler than your skin, it can help to sit directly in front of a fan when you sweat to cool down.
   • If you don't sweat enough to cool your body due to age or health problems, you can mist your body with cool water while sitting in front of a fan. Just fill a spray bottle with tap water and mist your body as needed while sitting in front of the fan.
7. Take antipyretic drugs. Antipyretics (drugs that lower your body temperature) are a safe and easy way to lower your body temperature in case you have a fever. This medication works by inhibiting your body's production of cyclooxygenase and lowering the level of prostaglandin E2 in the body. Without the help of an antipyretic, these substances stimulate the cells of the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates temperature) to fire at a rapid rate, raising the body's temperature.
   • Examples of these drugs are acetaminophenes, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
   • Aspirin is not recommended for children and teenagers who suffer from viral illnesses (such as flu or chicken pox) because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease that damages the brain and liver.
   • The dosage of these drugs depends on your age. Check the recommended dose on the label and make sure you do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Consult with your doctor for the correct dosage and recommendation regarding over-the-counter medications.

Method 2 of 2: Making lifestyle changes

1. Avoid extreme or strenuous activities. If you engage in vigorous and strenuous activities, especially during hot or humid weather, your body will warm up due to the energy and physical exertion expended.
   • Exercise in less strenuous ways, such as walking or cycling. If you insist on maintaining your usual exercise intensity, take regular breaks and avoid overexerting yourself.
   • Swimming can also be a good way to naturally lower your body temperature and exercise at the same time, because you are lying in cool water.
2. Wear clothes in light colors that are loose, to retain less heat. It is important that your clothes are airy so that your skin can cool down, but you also want to make sure that your skin is completely covered to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun.
   • Light-colored clothing reflects the light of the sun instead of absorbing it, so that your body does not heat up as much. Avoid wearing dark colored or heavy clothing, as this will attract and retain heat.
3. Avoid eating spicy and fatty foods. Hot and spicy dishes can increase your metabolism and thus raise the temperature of the body.
   • The compound effect of red peppers and capsaicin naturally raises your body temperature.
   • Foods with a high fat content can lead to more heat being trapped in the body as more fat is stored in the cells. This is because fat is responsible for storing heat and making the body warmer.