myFM: what humidity does to your body

You know that sticky heat, that warmth that hits you the second you step outside? High humidity can make it difficult to be outside for too long, but it can also be unhealthy. I spoke on myFM this morning about what humidity does to your body and what to do about it.

To keep cool, we need to shed excess heat through sweat. The body’s natural way of cooling us down is to sweat. Sweat evaporates into the air and when it’s humid — high humidity especially, it prevents sweat from evaporating as readily, making humid heat more dangerous than dry heat.

High humidity can have a number of adverse effects on you. You could feel low on energy and really lethargic. In addition, high humidity can cause hyperthermia — overheating as a result of your body's inability to effectively let out heat. 

Bacteria and viruses take hold in humid conditions

Think about athletes foot in between toes, where it’s hot, sweaty and humid. It’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and fungus. Be aware of supporting your immunity, take Bio Boost probiotic for all of the above including the fungus. Alka C, a high dose vitamin C along with minerals can help support too. 

What your body might feel 

Muscle cramps, headaches, light-headedness, dizziness, increased heart rate, and fatigue are all early signs of heat exhaustion. 

How to prevent humidity issues

Because you lose electrolytes as you sweat, it’s easy to become dehydrated. Water is essential, but you also need electrolytes — minerals like sodium and potassium. Magnesium would be helpful here too because cardiac complications and your heart working harder. 

Take Bio Cell Salts, or Spectralyte in your water. Drink coconut water - plain not sweetened because you’ll want more sweet if you do. Eat high water fruits like watermelon and avoid salty foods that can also dehydrate.

Listen to the segment