Diet To Combat Sunstroke
“Drink a lot of fluids like fresh juices or energy drinks as they help to replenish the water in your body”
Extended exposure to the harmful rays of the sun changes the body temperature from normal to above 105 degree Fahrenheit. The excessive heat prevents the body from coming back to the normal state and this rise in temperature causes immense damage to internal and external organs. And when this happens, the condition is called a heatstroke or sunstroke.
Sunstroke is characterised by dehydration which is excessive fluid loss from the body. Thus fluid loss is generally accompanied by loss of salt through sweating. Involuntary painful contractions of the muscles in the abdomen, legs and arms are also a result of heatstroke.
Common Symptoms
- Hot, dry skin
- Erratic pulse
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Incoherent speech, confusion, aggression
- Delirium
Diet Guidelines
Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Including fruits and vegetables which are natural coolants for the body or the ones that contain a lot of water are specially recommended.
- Avoid any food items that are high in salt.
- Drink a lot of fluids like fresh juices or energy drinks as they help to replenish the water in your body.
- Add healthy sources of protein to your diet like nuts, pulses and olive oil as these steady blood sugar levels.
Recommended Daily Diet (Summer Time)
Raw Mango – Best for preventing sunstroke. It also contains vitamin C, and prevents anaemia too. Raw mango can be added to salads, poha or upma.
Butter Milk – An ideal cure to deal with diarrhoea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea and headaches. Regular consumption of buttermilk or yoghurt with chilled water garnished with cumin seeds and mint is a healthy way to deal with summer heat.
Coconut Water – Tender coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage. It has the same level of electrolyte balance as our blood.
Lemon – A typical summer fruit to combat dizziness or nausea.
Home Remedies
- Roasted raw onion combined with honey and cumin seeds or in the form of chutney or salad helps in cooling the system.
- A juice made from mint and coriander leaves with a sprinkling of sugar is known to alleviate heat in the body.
- Soaking some fennel seeds in the water for a night and then consuming the water in the morning is trusted remedy to deal with heat strokes.
- Apple cider vinegar should be consumed with the juice of a fruit or with honey and plain water.
- The electrolyte and mineral stores in the body can be replenished by having this invigorating drink.
- Aloe Vera in the form of juice or eaten raw is a known source of vitamins and minerals.