6 foods to avoid during a heatwave for better health

Spicy foods can elevate your body temperature, causing excessive sweating and discomfort during extreme heat. They may also irritate your stomach and lead to indigestion when your body is already under stress.

Caffeine acts as a diuretic, leading to increased urination and dehydration. During a heatwave, consuming coffee or energy drinks can leave you feeling drained, jittery, and more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Greasy foods are hard to digest, increasing your body's internal workload and temperature. They can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated, making hot days feel even more uncomfortable and tiring.

Red meats require more energy to digest, generating heat within your body. This process can raise your internal temperature and contribute to dehydration, especially when you're already struggling to stay cool.

High sugar intake can spike blood sugar levels and dehydrate your system. These treats offer quick energy but can lead to crashes, fatigue, and discomfort in hot weather conditions.

Alcohol interferes with your body's ability to regulate temperature and accelerates dehydration. Even if served chilled, it increases the risk of heatstroke and should be minimised during extreme summer heat.