Scorching heatwaves were sweeping the southern and southwestern United States, with most areas experiencing highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can put cumulative stress on the body, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and death.
In this article, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner explains how heat exposure affects health and outlines several common cooling methods that can inadvertently cause harm.
Increased Risk of Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Extreme heat increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease by putting heat stress on the body. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s “Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health” Scientific Sessions in March found that extreme heat may impair the body’s adaptive immune response and promote systemic inflammation, potentially harming cardiovascular health.
Ellen Wan
Author
Ellen Wan has worked for the Japanese edition of The Epoch Times since 2007.
