Dr. Svetoslav Krupinin, an internist, points out that eating ice cream in hot weather may cause spasms in the blood vessels of the stomach and a sore throat.
According to him, extreme caution should be exercised when consuming very cold, high-calorie ice creams during hot weather, as they can be stressful for the body. They may cause microscopic cracks in tooth enamel, spasms in the blood vessels of the stomach, and even an increased risk of tonsillitis. Therefore, they should be consumed slowly, after melting, and in moderation.
According to the doctor, if the outside temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, eating cold ice cream creates a sharp contrast with the hot air, which poses a real challenge to the teeth.
He says: "A sudden change in temperature can cause microscopic cracks in the teeth, and the large amount of sugar in ice cream contributes to tooth decay."
Kropinen points out that iced sweets cause a sharp constriction of blood vessels in the pharynx, weakening the immune system and creating conditions conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, thus increasing the risk of tonsillitis. They also irritate taste receptors in the hard palate, which can cause pain in the temples, a condition known as "brain freeze."
Nutrition expert Dr. Daria Rusakova points out that the effect of chilled ice cream in hot weather is short-lived, after which the body needs to exert more effort in the digestion process.
She says: "Eating ice cream provides a localized cooling effect in the mouth and upper digestive tract. However, the high-calorie varieties require a huge amount of the body's energy to digest. To absorb fats and carbohydrates, it stimulates the digestive process, which leads to a rise in the temperature of the lower digestive tract instead of cooling it down."
According to her, frozen and fatty foods put additional stress on the stomach.
In addition, ice cream may cause spasms in the blood vessels of the stomach, which is very dangerous, especially in cases of gastritis, while the large amount of sugar may cause bloating and a feeling of heaviness.
Doctors advise choosing ice cream carefully, checking its ingredients to ensure it is low in sugar and fat, consuming it in moderation, and, if possible, preparing the dessert at home.
