Summer is here which means there will be plenty of long days spent outside by the beach, lake, or poolside. It’s very important to apply and re-apply plenty of sunblock, but the sun can effect other parts of your body, not just your skin. Below is a list found on WebMD of sun problems and associated foods that can help your body bounce back from the sun’s powerful rays.
Dry or Damaged Skin
- Caused by: sweating more in summertime causing your skin to be less supple; chlorine in pool water and saltwater can also dry out your skin; finally the very common sunburn really can dry out your skin.
- Try eating: antioxidant rich foods like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Drinking plenty of water is also key to keeping your skin looking good and preventing dehydration. It’s recommended to consume 8-10 cups a day.
Parched, Dry Hair
- Caused by: overexposure to sun, saltwater, and chlorine.
- Try eating: some fresh meats straight from the grill (burgers, chicken, etc.) or some non-meat protein-rich food sources like beans. Hair consists of protein fibers called keratin and protein-rich food sources help replenish this protein in your hair. Specifically, eating foods rich in vitamin B-5 (in yogurt and avocadoes), vitamin B-8 (in liver and cooked eggs), folic acid (in fortified cereals and beans), calcium (in milk and yogurt), and zinc (in meat and fish) can reduce hair loss and replace dull hair with shiny hair.
Muscle Cramps
- Caused by: overexertion and dehydration. When you don’t have enough fluid in your system, it leads to an electrolyte imbalance that causes your muscles to cramp.
- Try eating: potassium-rich foods like bananas, raisins, and spinach. Also, mixing in a few sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) in place of water can give you the electrolytes your body needs.