Beat heat with summer coolants and less food
Rising temperatures are causing dehydration. Just water is not helping people. People are also opting for juices, sodas, sugar-sweetened drinks and other beverages to quench their thirst.
Packaged fruit juices and carbonated drinks are harmful in summer, as they have high amounts of artificial sugars. They soon leave a person thirstier. Very cold water too does not help quench thirst. It makes one feel like having more and more water.
Nutritionist Janaki Devi advises coolant fruits to deal with summers. Fruits like watermelons, muskmelons, oranges, pears, blackberries and raspberries are the right choice, as they help the body stay hydrated. In addition, coconut water, buttermilk, lassi and basil seeds in water are also of help.
Summers often make eating in afternoons a challenge. For that reason, the nutritionist says foods that are very spicy, fried, or junk like burgers, salty snacks and sauces must be avoided.
Dr. Mohammed S. Ahmed, senior general physician, says, "During summers, it is important that people opt for smaller meals. This helps body digest food easily. With temperature variations between day and evenings, human body will be able to adjust if food intake is healthy and minimal, Dr. Ahmed pointed out.
Rising temperatures are also leading to body drying up with skin
cracking, particularly feet and lips. Keeping body hydrated and using
moisturisers and sunscreens are helpful.