sugarcane is heat or cold - #23141
I am really confused about something and hope you all can help me out. Last week, I was at this family gathering, and my cousin was talking about how sugarcane is heat or cold in nature. Like I didn’t even know that was a thing! I always thought it was just a sweet treat! Anyway, I started experiencing some weird symptoms—like my skin felt super hot and I was slightly sweaty, which wasn’t normal for me. I had this juice made from sugarcane at the party, and I had 2 big glasses of it! LOL, I didn’t even think twice. The next day I was reading online about sugarcane is heat or cold and came across a bunch of info that got me worried. Then my friend mentioned something about sugarcane being good for digestion, but does that mean it’s heat or cold? I’m now not sure if it made my body feel hot or if that was just me overreacting (or maybe sweating is normal after that much sugar?). Do any of you know if sugarcane is heat or cold? Should I avoid it during the summer? I’m just trying to figure it all out because I love that juice! But I don’t wanna feel sick again. It’s stressing me out, and I hate feeling like this. Any advice?
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Doctors' responses
Understanding whether sugarcane is “heat” or “cold” largely comes from the perspective of traditional or alternative medicine practices. In the context of Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foods are often categorized by how they affect the body’s balance—whether they generate heat or have a cooling effect. Sugarcane juice is generally considered cooling; it’s thought to help reduce body heat and provide hydration, which is why many people consume it in hot weather. However, the symptoms you experienced, like feeling hot and sweaty, might be due to other factors, such as sugar content or external temperature, rather than the intrinsic nature of the sugarcane juice itself. Consuming large amounts of sugary drinks can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, potentially leading to symptoms like sweating or feeling flushed. These reactions may sometimes mimic what’s perceived as a “heat” reaction in certain holistic traditions.
In your case, the symptoms might have been more related to your body responding to high sugar intake or outside conditions at the time. If these symptoms occur frequently, consider moderating your intake. Keeping hydrated with water, especially in hot weather, can also help manage your body’s response to sugar. Always pay attention to how different foods and drinks affect you. If you continue to feel unwell after sugarcane juice, reducing your intake or avoiding it in extremely hot weather could be prudent. Should any symptoms become more severe or persistent, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions. Balancing enjoyable treats with awareness of your body’s responses can help you find what works for your particular physiology.
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