Tips to help you beat the heat

(NBC) - if sitting in the air conditioning isn't an option, Dr. Jennifer Caudle says there are simple ways to beat the heat.

First, toss your shoes and wear sandals instead.

"25 percent of our sweat glands are actually at our feet so that makes the feet really, really important during times like this," Caudle says.

Throw some damp towels into a cooler. The doc says you can get an instant cool-down by putting the frozen towels over your bare feet.

Of course, drinking water is a must.

"As we stay hydrated we want to avoid lot of sugary things so lots of sugary drinks lots of fruit juices, they can actually make hydration worse," Caudle warns.

Snack on watery fruits like watermelon, oranges and grapes.

"And these can be frozen for treats on a really nice summery day," she says.

But anyone with a lung or heart condition should talk to their doctor before drinking extra water.

According to the American Heart Association, heart drugs like beta blockers and diuretics can exaggerate the body's response to heat.

So can some migraine medications like Topamax and ulcer medications.

"Some in particular may include psych medications,” Caudle said. “Remember that certain antibiotics interact with sunlight."

What you eat can also make a difference.

Eat smaller meals and avoid protein to decrease the heat your body creates to break down food.

Try eating spicy food, too. It may seem counterintuitive, but it stimulates heat receptors in the mouth, enhancing circulation and causing you to sweat, which cools the body down.