Back from a trip to Saudi Arabia, I was cruelly shocked to find my city hotter and drier than the desert kingdom. The dramatic change in Calcutta’s weather from humid to dry has stabilised 10 days later (the minimum relative humidity has gone up) but who knows when it will get worse?
Increase in atmospheric temperature will lead to increase in body temperature. In order to prevent an excessive rise in body temperature, the body must lose this additional heat. It is done through several mechanisms, of which evaporation of sweat on the surface of the skin is most important. Loss of water in the form of perspiration cools the body and helps in maintaining normal body temperature. In very dry conditions, the body loses water so rapidly that you sweat less and there is also the danger of heat exhaustion.
There are two factors which are crucial: keep cool and stay hydrated.
Watch out
Heat cramps: Feels like a severe muscle pull and is caused by lack of salt in the body.
Heat exhaustion: The body temperature rises to 102°F and is marked by extreme fatigue, dizziness, vomiting or fainting. It is caused when excessive heat and dehydration cause the body to overreact, resulting in high temperature.
Heat stroke: A severe form of hyperthermia causing abnormally high body temperature (104°F and above). It is characterised by disorientation and loss of consciousness. It is a medical emergency and can prove to be fatal if not promptly treated.
Dehydration: Lack of water raises body temperature and can lead to medical emergencies and can sometimes prove to be fatal. Therefore, it is extremely important to recognise your body’s signals for water before you get dehydrated.
Your body needs more water if...
Your urine is strongly coloured. It means your body is losing more water than you are drinking, or you are not drinking enough. Make sure the colour of the urine is a light, straw-coloured yellow.
You are prone to constipation.
You are often thirsty.
You have dry skin, mouth or lips.
You have dry, brittle hair.
You get frequent infections.
YOUR SUMMER BFFS:
Water: Water is an ideal coolant. Summer takes away all the moisture from inside our body, leaving us short of our regular water levels. Getting plenty of fluids is essential to feeling energised, when the heat takes a toll on you.
Barley water: Used as a soothing, cooling and calming recipe for patients having feverish conditions and gastric upsets.
Bael: This fruit has a water content of 54.9 to 61.5g per 100g. The fresh ripe pulp is used to make sherbet which improves digestion. It is a good tonic and has mild laxative properties. The unripe bael is most prized as a means of halting diarrhoea and dysentery, which are prevalent in India in the summer months.
Iced tea: It is a refreshing drink. Besides cooling and hydrating your body, it is full of antioxidants which reduce oxidative damage. The scorching heat damages the skin and produces fine lines and wrinkles. The polyphenols in tea boost heart health and blood circulation.
Juices: They are cooling as well as nourishing. They are nutrient-dense beverages providing vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They keep us hydrated and detoxed.
Lime water: Lemons are a boon during summer. They can protect your body from getting several summer-related ailments like boils. Lemon in combination with honey has the power of instantly replenishing your body’s lost water and also work as an energiser.
Buttermilk: When thirsty, have curd in the form of buttermilk, smoothies and lassi as it provides you with friendly bacteria called probiotics, which provides immunity against stomach infections that are common during the hot season. Have curd along with meals in the form of raita and dips.
Food with high water content: Cucumber, onion, watermelon and muskmelon have high water content. One large wedge of watermelon provides 250ml of water equivalent to one cup of water. Gorge on such solids to stay hydrated, if drinking liquid is not your cup of tea.
TOP TIPS:
Avoid direct sunlight. Use umbrella or wear shades when stepping out.
Wear light-coloured clothing as it reflects sunlight and its associated heat.
Wear loose-fit cotton clothes that allow sweat to evaporate.
Cover your body with cloth or dupatta. Opt for loose pants and full sleeves, instead of shorts and sleeveless attire, to protect your skin from UV rays which cause sunburn and allergic rashes.
Drink plenty of water, about three to four litres a day. But don’t drink excessive amounts (6 to 8 litre) of plain water because consuming large amounts of water without sodium can cause hyponatremia (low sodium), also known as water intoxication. Without sodium or very low sodium levels, your body can become unstable. Add moderate amounts of salt and sugar to it.
Tank up on juices. Detox with watermelon juice, muskmelon juice, mango juice and aloe vera juice.
Avoid alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks like colas and coffee, which have diuretic properties causing further fluid loss.
Have cucumber and watermelon to cool off.
Cut down on fried and spicy foods, which slow down digestion.
Do not go out in the sun suddenly from an air-conditioned room.
DST: 1455 HRS, MAY-06, 2014
