GOVT. ISSUES ADVISORY TO BEAT THE HEATWAVE; WHY SHOULD YOU AVOID HIGH PROTEIN FOODS DURING SUMMERS

Union health minister Mansukh Mandviya reviewed public health preparedness for the management of heat-related illnesses after a heatwave advisory was issued by the meteorological department.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about a rise in temperature and thunderstorm conditions that are likely to prevail from April 3-6 across various eastern and peninsular India. A yellow alert has also been given in Maharashtra as temperatures soared to 40-42 degrees Celsius in Marathwada and Vidarbha. The IMD reported that these temperatures are 3-4°C above normal.

In the review meeting, Mandviya stressed the need to be prepared for all eventualities.

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“Timely, advanced, and wide awareness among the people on the preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves”, he said.

Heatwave related illnesses

According to experts, exposure to heat causes severe symptoms like heat exhaustion and heat stroke – a condition which causes faintness, as well as dry, warm skin, due to the inability of the body to control high temperatures.

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It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature as the body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.

When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes.

Health ministry suggestions

Health ministry officials have recommended that people should stay hydrated throughout the day and have oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if required.

Also, doctors suggest avoiding alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar as these can lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps.

Doctors also say you must avoid high-protein and stale food as well.

Why should you avoid high-protein foods?

According to experts, in summer, your body loses lots of water due to the heat. Since proteins are made up of nitrogen, they need more water for proper digestion.

And so, a very high or high-protein diet absorbs more water which can expose you to heat-related issues, including gastric problems.

What should you eat?

Experts recommend eating fresh fruits and vegetables as a regular part of one’s diet as high temperatures throughout the summer may cause dehydration and electrolyte loss.

You should also increase your consumption of seasonal, fresh fruit and vegetables through a variety of dishes like vegetable lasagnas, vegetable chips, sandwiches, and healthy, cold soups.

You can include:

Fruity sorbets

Chaas or buttermilk

Coconut water

Kokum water

Fruit slushies

These foods are super effective as they help reestablish electrolytes.

Other ways to beat the heat

A few other ways to beat the heat include:

Use a hot water bottle

Take a hot water bottle, get rid of the insulating cover, and fill it up with ice-cold water. Place it under your knees, and enjoy the chill

Use lots of mint

Chew 1-2 springs of mint after meals. You can also add mint leaves to your water and drink throughout the day for better hydration.

Stay hydrated

Summers make you sweat so make sure to replenish your fluid content by drinking water regularly.

Use fans

Fans are great for clearing the warm air out of your home and letting the cool air settle in.

Wear cotton clothes

Wear breathable cotton clothes instead of other materials, as they are extremely light and absorbent.

2024-04-05T13:47:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd