During the summer, when the temperature is high, we are used to eating cold things, such as cold drinks. Although drinking cold drinks can quickly cool us down, drinking them in an unscientific and unhealthy way can harm our bodies. So how should we drink cold drinks?
1. Choose the right time
Eating cold drinks on an empty stomach before meals or right after meals is not advisable, as it can easily harm the stomach. Generally, it is best to drink cold drinks 30 minutes after a meal or after a nap. It is better to drink cold drinks with ice cubes around 3 pm when the body's yang energy is strongest and less likely to be harmed.
2. Eat in moderation
Each time, eat an appropriate amount and do not eat more than 2 popsicles or ice creams at once. Drink about 150 milliliters of cold drinks each time, and do not drink more than half a bottle of bottled drinks at once.
3. Avoid gulping
When drinking cold drinks, it is best to savor them slowly, taking small sips, as this minimizes the stimulation to the stomach and intestines. When eating solid ice cubes, it is better to hold them in the front of the mouth until they melt and reach body temperature before swallowing slowly. This way, it will not excessively stimulate the blood vessels, throat, and respiratory tract.
4. Avoid drinking after sweating
After coming back from outside or after sweating due to physical activity, do not immediately drink cold drinks, as it can lead to "closure of sweat", which hinders the release of sweat from the pores, makes heat dissipation difficult, and easily leads to heatstroke.
5. Remember not to store in the refrigerator for too long
Cold drinks should not be consumed if they have been stored in the refrigerator for too long. The refrigerator is not a safe box, and household refrigerators generally cannot effectively eliminate certain bacteria. Therefore, it is best to consume cold drinks as soon as possible. If ice cream has melted, do not put it back in the refrigerator.
6. Avoid eating if you have a cold constitution
Some people have cold limbs, pale lips, loose stools, frequent urination, etc., indicating a cold constitution. They should avoid eating cold drinks, especially directly taking frozen foods from the refrigerator.
7. Elderly people should be cautious
Elderly people have weakened yang energy and poor gastrointestinal function, so it is best to consume less cold drinks, as they can affect digestion and lower resistance to diseases.
8. Patients with chronic diseases should be cautious
Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic gastritis, and other diseases can experience sudden cold stimulation, which can cause blood vessel spasms and increased blood pressure, potentially triggering sudden or aggravated cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as gastritis.
If the summer heat is unbearable, you can have a glass of cold drink or eat an ice cream stick, but drinking cold drinks may seem refreshing, but in reality, it can cause many harms. It can not only harm the stomach and intestines but also cause some blood vessels to contract suddenly, leading to poor blood circulation. Excessive chilling can also cause severe abdominal pain for some people. Therefore, it is best to drink cold drinks as little as possible.
