Dr. Semyon Avdeyev stated that the paradox of summer is that many of the methods we use to cool our bodies may actually increase their temperature.
According to him, ice cream initially gives a cooling sensation in the mouth, creating a temporary feeling of refreshment, but this effect quickly reverses. He attributes this to its high fat and sugar content, which stimulates digestion—a process that generates heat within the body, especially when digesting fats. The body expends energy digesting high-calorie foods, thus accelerating metabolism. After a while, the person no longer feels cold but begins to sweat. Furthermore, the sugar causes a sharp rise in blood glucose levels and an increased heart rate, further amplifying the sensation of heat.
He added that sweetened soft drinks and canned juices can also increase the feeling of heat. Although consumed cold, their high sugar content forces the body to work harder to process them, potentially causing dehydration, which intensifies thirst and the feeling of being suffocated rather than relieving it. Even iced cola provides a temporary sense of refreshment, but the thirst quickly returns, often more intensely.
He said: “As for alcohol, cold beer, for example, dilates blood vessels, giving a false sense of coolness, but at the same time it increases heat loss and causes dehydration, making a person feel heavier and more tired in hot weather.”
According to him, extremely cold drinks are not the best option either, because the body interprets extreme cold in the stomach as a signal of hypothermia, increasing its internal heat production to restore balance. Therefore, a sip of ice-cold water may be less effective at cooling the body than cold water or even room-temperature water
He added: “Plain water without sugar, unsweetened green tea, water with added lemon and mint, and water-rich vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, red and yellow watermelons, are among the best refreshing options in hot weather, because they do not burden the digestive system, replenish lost fluids, and help the body get rid of heat naturally. Therefore, it is advisable to consume them during heat waves to get a real feeling of refreshment, not just a temporary feeling.”
