Summer is a season that everyone longs for. You get to wear your favourite clothes, eat your favourite ice-creams and live with more freedom. But when the sun shines to its fullest it dehydrates the body and makes you lethargic.

How can one combat the scorching heat of the sun? The answer is, by practicing the right habits. Mentioned below are some of the ways that you can incorporate in your daily life and beat the summer heat:

1. Stay Hydrated

    The human body is made up of 70 percent of water and is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It helps nutrients to dissolve, making them more accessible to the body tissues. Water also helps in the removal of waste products from the body and is essential to the functioning of the kidneys. The lack of water in the body causes dehydration. Dehydration leads to the lethargic and inactive body. Doctors often recommend drinking a certain amount of water every day but it may vary from person to person. Adequate water consumption should be 30 ml/kg body weight in a healthy person.

    2. Eat light and healthy food

      Eating meals with large amounts of fats and carbohydrates gives rise to a lot of body heat. Therefore, during summers it is advisable to eat light, small and frequent meals. This not only keeps the body healthy but helps to improve metabolism. It is also advisable to consume a good quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.

      3. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol

        Alcohol and coffee may be amongst some of your favourite drinks that you do not wish to give up. But, the consumption of these drinks in excess amounts during summers may leave your body dehydrated. Alcohol prevents the reabsorption of water into the blood by inhibiting the hormone ADH. This dehydrating effect of alcohol combined with sweating may lead to severe dehydration. On the other hand, caffeine may increase the heart rate, stomach acid secretion, blood sugar levels and production of urine. If at all possible, you must try to reduce the consumption of alcohol and caffeine.

        4. Stay indoors

          The scorching heat of summers isn't good for your health. The extreme heat drains the energy out of your body and makes you ill. Therefore, it is suggested that outdoor activities should be restricted to cooler parts of the day i.e. early morning before 11:00 am or during late evenings after 5:00 pm. This will help you stay protected against the sweltering summer heat.

          5. Avoid outside food

            Stomach infections are quite common during summers. This can be simply attributed to our constant habit of eating junk food from the outside, especially roadside vendors. The food that you eat from these vendors may surely help calm your taste buds but is equally lethal for your health. The food can lead to a severe stomach infection and various other foodborne diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of junk and roadside food.

            6. Wear the right type of clothes

              In summers it is advisable to wear light-coloured clothes and natural fabrics such as linen and cotton. When you are going out in the sun, it is recommended that you use a cotton cloth to cover your mouth, ears, and nose to stay protected against the loo winds, which may cause dehydration. You may also use an umbrella or a hat for shade and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

              7. Apply sunscreen

                Sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting your skin against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. It also helps reduce the risk of having skin cancer or severe sunburns. Sunscreen has also been proven to slow down the process of skin aging. As a general rule one can use a sunscreen with SPF 30.

                8. Adopt a good skincare routine

                  Summers can severely damage your skin if proper care is not taken. Excessive oil and sweat may cause rashes, irritation, prickly heat and exacerbation of acne. You should wash your face often and use tissues to wipe sweat form the face to avoid acne. You can also make use of natural face packs and aloe Vera gel to soothe the skin.

                  If you or any of your dear ones are suffering from any summer-related health problem, it is advisable to consult a doctor. You can visit Batra Hospital to consult the best doctors in the city.