The summer season has arrived and the intense heatwave in North India is becoming increasingly intolerable with each passing day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts in many states from April to June. It is thus necessary to make adjustments to your food and lifestyle routine in order to make it more suitable for the summer season. Regarding this matter, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India has lately issued an advise that explains a number of food-related measures that individuals are required to take.
The Health Ministry said on Twitter, now X, "Stay hydrated, eat light, and make smart choices to beat the summer heat while enjoying your meals." Following the advise, we thought of providing dietary guidelines that should be followed during the summer season.
According to cdc.gov, “Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.” It is very important to keep your pH and fluid levels stable during the summer. Before you go outside, make sure you drink a lot of water or something like lemonade to protect yourself from the heat.
It also suggests Staying away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
“If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets”, recommends cdc.gov.
Here are some things you can do at home to cool off during the summer.
Onion Juice
When it comes to heat stroke, this is a top remedy. Many people who practise Ayurveda say this should be the first thing to look for. A simple remedy for a fever is to rub some onion juice on your chest and behind your ears. You may consume raw onion with cumin and honey, but the therapeutic benefits of onion juice are better. Consuming raw onions in salads or chutneys might also help to calm down your system.
Tamarind Water
There are a lot of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals in tamarind. In a pot of boiling water, soak a little tamarind. Remove the seeds and add a little sugar before drinking. Reduce your body's core temperature with this concoction. Tamarind juice also helps to relieve indigestion and acts as a gentle laxative.
Aam Panna
The rejuvenating and health-promoting Aam Panna is a two-in-one beverage. The combination of raw mangoes and spicy ingredients can help you chill down. You should drink this beverage no less than twice and no more than three times daily. The cooling spices cumin, fennel, pepper, and kala namak provide flavour and electrolytes to aam panna.
Buttermilk and Coconut Water
In addition to restoring nutrients that may have been lost through sweating, the beneficial bacteria in buttermilk help keep your body hydrated. Just like water, coconut water replenishes lost fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Tulsi Seeds and Fennel Seeds Water
One well-known remedy for instant relief is a mixture of tulsi seeds and rose water. Fennel seeds are also known as a spice that cools things down. Soak a few of them in water overnight. In the morning, strain the water and drink it. This will protect you from the heat and keep you cool.