Summer is back and there is a need to take extra care and protect yourself and your family from dehydration. It is a condition when the temperature rises to a great extent and the body loses its water content. It can occur due to sunstroke, working in open sun or exercising in hot sun. This causes excessive loss of body fluids and hence loses the essential salts also.
While this is a common phenomenon during summer, it can be harmful to your health. But the good news is that this condition is preventable if proper care is taken in advance.
Tips for you
Here are some tips to help you prevent dehydration in summer
- Drink plenty of water during the day. Carry a bottle of water if you are going out in the sun. It is necessary to make up for the water content that is lost from the body due to sweating in the heat.
- Having fruit juices, lemon juice, coconut water, buttermilk is a good idea. This will help to make up for the lost fluids and salts. Consume fresh watery and citrus fruits like water melon, musk melon, oranges and sweet lime. Eating cucumber and tomatoes also helps as they are high in water content.
- Add buttermilk or yoghurt in your daily diet especially during the afternoon. It helps to sooth your system and aids in better digestion. Avoid eating very hot and spicy foods and prefer light seasonings. Make sure the food is stored and refrigerated well as the chance of food getting spoilt are high.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Avoid wearing black colored clothes as they absorb heat more. Wear light colored clothes and preferably use material like cotton. Wear sunglasses and use a cap or an umbrella. Stay indoors in a cool place whenever possible.
- Keep oral rehydration salts (ORS) at home and in your bag in case a need arises, you can have it with water as per the instructions.
- Special attention should be given to the diet and fluid intake and exercise regimen of those who are involved in athletics, sports, dance or other heavy work out activities. Wear suitable clothing, use sun protection and carry water, juices and ORS when practicing.
There are many ways you can help yourself and hope these tips will help you in protecting from summer dehydration.
