Staying cool during this heat wave

We are warm blooded creatures and that means we have a constant temperature irrespective of the surrounding temperature. Our body is designed to generate heat and get rid of excess heat to maintain this steady temperature. If we lose body heat quickly we will slide into hypothermia and if our body is heated up without cooling then we will suffer hyperthermia the most common one being a heat stroke. During a heat stroke, our body loses its ability to regulate and maintain its temperature and as a result the body heats up to dangerous levels. This is most common in summer.

Some common causes of heat stroke during summer

• Physical activity in direct sunlight under extremely hot and humid conditions
• Tight-fitting synthetic clothing that trap heat
• Spicy, oily and fried food
• Caffeine or alcohol based drinks
• Strenuous activity including rigorous physical exercise
• Dehydration as it lowers sweat production which is necessary to cool the body

Ways to stay cool this summer

Cool down with cool (not cold) water 

Get in the shower of pour water over your body to cool it down.

Stay out of direct sunlight

Avoid any activity in direct sunlight. During the hottest parts of the day, stay in the shade.

Wear light fitting cotton clothes

Cotton clothes breathe best. Loose fitting cotton clothes don’t trap heat and allow your body to cool down faster.

Drink plenty of water

Hydrate your body by drinking water. This will help your body regulate your temperature better.

Drink coconut water

Coconut water is rich electrolytes making it the perfect summer heat quencher.

Eat plenty of fruits, especially melons

Summer is the season of melons. Indulge in them to keep your body cool and hydrated without adding too much calories.

Have light meals at frequent intervals

Fruit Salad and cut fruits.low fat dairy products etc. will keep you cool

Aloe vera

The leaves of aloe vera have a gel, which has very high cooling properties. Apply the gel on your skin to protect it from heat.

Buttermilk coolers.

Buttermilk cools down the body and improves metabolism. It is a probiotic rich in vitamins and minerals that boost your energy.

It is easy to stay cool in the hot summer. If we just avoid anything that makes us uncomfortably hot, our body will take care of the rest. The golden rule in summer is to keep our body hydrated so it can effectively regulate the body temperature.