The UK is bracing for another heatwave next week, with predictions of record-breaking temperatures reaching 41C that could exceed the current record of 40.3C set in July 2022. In these sweltering conditions, a simple military technique may help lower core body temperature without using a fan or spending any money.
The Military Cooling Method
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Military and Veterans' Health by exercise physiologist and researcher Matt Brearly, consuming slushies made from equal measures of crushed ice and water can rapidly cool the body and prevent heat exhaustion. The study advocates this method for military use, but it is equally effective for civilians trying to stay cool during soaring temperatures.
The technique works because crushed ice absorbs significantly more heat as it melts inside the body, eliminating heat before the water reaches body temperature. Crushed ice absorbs approximately three times as much heat as an equal amount of cold water.
How to Use the Technique
To employ this method, the study recommends consuming about five to seven grams of crushed ice per kilogram of body weight. The slushy should be consumed gradually, roughly half an hour before exercise or going outdoors. If you work outdoors or wish to exercise, drinking an ice slushy beforehand or during breaks can lower core temperature by between 0.3 and 1.1 degrees Celsius.
However, while this technique can reduce body temperature, it is crucial to note that it does not replace drinking water. During hot weather, it remains essential to continue hydrating with water throughout the day to replenish fluids lost through perspiration.
Important Health Considerations
The study emphasizes that the slushies should not be sugar-laden drinks but simply crushed ice and water. This method is a supplementary cooling aid and not a substitute for proper hydration or other heat safety measures. As the UK faces potential extreme heat, this simple, cost-free technique offers a practical way to stay cooler and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
