Due to climate change, there are a lot of fluctuations in the weather these days. It is very much obvious that these changes have an adverse effect on our health too. People are likely to feel weakness and uneasiness while traveling under the hot sun. Let us see how we can overcome this unfortunate scenario and lead a better and healthy lifestyle.
Varying climatic conditions cause a lot of health hazards, but the most common out of them all is dehydration. Dehydration is a body condition in which the body loses excess fluids, mostly water in the form of sweat. The amount of water that goes out as a result of dehydration is more than that we take in (drink).
Every day, we lose water from our body in the form of water vapor while we breathe, sweat and urinate. A small amount of salts is also lost from the body along with water.
What causes dehydration?
- Heat exposure, body temperature (fever), too much of workout (exercise) and physical activity.
- Frequent urination due to infection in the urinary tract, vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes.
- Skipping meals and water intake (low water consumption).
- Inability to eat or drink (for e.g. Someone in a coma or on a respirator.)
- Skin injuries, wounds, burns, mouth sores (water also gets lost through damaged skin).
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The symptoms of dehydration can be minor as well as severe, both of which include the following:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Excess/Frequent thirst
- Dry mouth and swollen tongue
- Palpitations (increased heart beat/rate)
- Sluggishness/Fainting
- Inability to sweat
- Anxiety
- Decreased amount of urine output
The color of your urine also indicates a lot about your health. Similarly, if your urine is concentrated and deep yellow or amber in color, you may be suffering from dehydration.
What are the remedies for dehydration?
The simplest way to avoid dehydration is to keep yourself hydrated. This can be done by drinking water throughout the day at regular intervals. You can also consume fresh fruit juices, coconut water which will not just keep your internal system nourished but also provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body requires for functioning well.
Below are few natural drinks that you must have to keep up with the heat:
- Nimbu Paani: A chilling glass of lime juice or nimbu paani as we call it, instantly refreshes you no matter how much you are exhausted.
- Mint Lemon Juice: It is nothing but lemon/lime juice with a pinch of mint leaves for a tangy flavor.
- Butter Milk: We are very much aware of the benefits of curd. Buttermilk is just one level above curd as it contains water. This soothing drink is all that you need to say goodbye to the summer heat.
- Coconut water: It can be found on the market streets throughout the summer months. Coconut water is excellent for the skin as well as hair. It detoxifies your internal system, flushes out all the toxins and excess heat in the body thereby making you feel fresh and lively.
You can also have your favorite fruit juices but skip the intake of canned beverages as they are stuffed with preservatives, salts, and sugar which do more harm to the body than benefiting it in anyways.
Image Source: everydayfacts.info