PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, April 8: With Jharkhand reeling under an intense heatwave, the change in season necessitates a shift in routine, a new diet, and, of course, a new workout plan that is appropriate for the weather. Warm weather increases your body’s vulnerability to various ailments, thus specific health precautions must be followed to ensure that you stay fit and healthy throughout the summer
In an interview with lagatar24.com Dr Vijayshree Prasad, senior consultant dietician at MEDICA said that Indian summers are pretty harsh, and the sweltering heat can lead to many ill effects. The more time you spend in the heat, the more seriously it can impact your health.
She added that an increased internal body temperature, in turn, can cause heavy perspiring, sticky skin, dehydration, tiredness, cerebral pain, dizziness, sickness, muscle cramps, and a fast, feeble pulse. Besides sunstroke, urinary tract infections also peak during the season.
Experts stress the importance of maintaining the level of electrolytes, like sodium and potassium that are pivotal for the optimum working of the brain and the nervous system, in the body. “And of course, drinking adequate amounts of water is a must to replenish the lost electrolytes, and also remove the excess from the kidneys where it can get concentrated to avoid complications,” she shared.
Dr Vijayshree suggested a few simple tips to follow:
- Always apply sunblock or sunscreen to protect your skin from damage, and sunburn.
- Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods to keep your body temperature at a balanced level.
- Dress in lightweight, breezy, loosely fitting clothing.
- Pay attention to your body needs; if you begin to feel ill or faint, seek a cold environment and rest.
- It is essential to consume healthy, nutritious, and simple home-cooked meals
- Eat as many green vegetables and fruits as you can throughout this season.
- One should keep doing Yoga and meditation in the morning. Light exercises should be done to ensure that you do not feel lethargic.
- Take more liquid like aam Panna, buttermilk, sattu water, lemon water except carbonated beverages.
- Pot water( khada or surahi) is more beneficial rather than fridge water.
“Some people tend to drink cold water when they return home after being out in the sun. This habit is the most common cause of sore throats, colds, and flu. It is advisable to drink a glass of normal water first. You can then take an energy drink, juice, buttermilk, or coconut water,” she added.
During summer, the skin’s sebaceous glands produce excess sebum (natural oil). Unfortunately, this oil sticks on the skin’s surface, leading to blocked pores. In addition, increased water loss from the body leads to dehydration, causing the skin to feel irritated, red, and dry. A few common summer skin problems are acne breakouts, dry skin, folliculitis, sun allergy, and heat rashes.
On the question of how to keep the skin protected from the scorching heat, she said that a summer-friendly beauty routine that includes sunscreen, moisturising, minimal makeup, exfoliation, sun-protective clothes and washing sparingly will keep the skin happy and healthy. Washing the face often or using tissues to wipe a sweaty face helps avoid acne.
“Wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner. Apply serum or leave-in conditioner after washing. Style your hair with natural styling techniques instead of harsh styling tools,” she added.
