Summers bring about various side effects due to the heat, humidity, and increased exposure to sunlight. Some common side effects of summers include:
Dehydration: Hot weather can lead to increased sweating, which can cause dehydration if fluids are not replenished adequately. Dehydration can result in symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and dark-colored urine.
Heat Exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fainting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
Sunburn: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, which is characterized by red, painful, and inflamed skin. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates skin aging. Severe sunburn can also lead to blistering, peeling, and fever.
Heat Rash: Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, leading to red, itchy, and sometimes painful bumps or blisters on the skin. Heat rash typically occurs in areas where sweat accumulates, such as the neck, chest, groin, and underarms.
Respiratory Issues: Hot and humid weather can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Pollen levels tend to be higher in the summer, leading to increased allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms like sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Increased Risk of Foodborne Illnesses: Warmer temperatures can promote the growth of bacteria in food, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning. It’s essential to practice proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques, especially when cooking and eating outdoors.
Heat-related Sleep Disturbances: High temperatures can make it difficult to sleep comfortably, leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia. Lack of quality sleep can negatively impact overall health and well-being.
Exacerbation of Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease may experience worsening symptoms during the summer months due to the strain that heat and dehydration place on the body.
To minimize the side effects of summers, it’s important to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburn, practice proper food safety measures, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses or exacerbation of chronic conditions. There are certain effective and reasonable food items avaialabe that can keep us cool and healthy during summers.
What to Drink
Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, or more if you’re sweating heavily or engaging in physical activity.
Electrolyte Drinks: If you’re sweating a lot or engaging in strenuous activities, consider drinking electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks or coconut water to replenish lost electrolytes.
Herbal Teas: Enjoying herbal teas, such as mint, chamomile, or hibiscus, can be a refreshing and hydrating option. Opt for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars.
Fresh Fruit Juices: Juices made from fresh fruits, such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, or orange, can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated and get essential vitamins and minerals. Just be mindful of added sugars in store-bought juices.
Smoothies: Blend up your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk for a nutritious and hydrating smoothie. Add greens like spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.
Iced Tea: Brew up some herbal or green tea and chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing iced tea option. You can add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for extra flavor.
The Summer Drink Sattu
Panacea to avoid heat stroke – Sattu
Our country India is an agricultural country. It is spread over a vast land. It is divided into twenty-eight provinces. Somewhere there are high mountains, somewhere there are plateau areas. At some places, meandering rivers flow and at other places there are dry desert areas. There are six seasons. We live in the plains. Here winter, summer and rainy seasons come at equal intervals. Diseases start spreading with the coming and going of seasons. Protection from these diseases is also done through our land wealth. Nowadays the heat is in full swing. The cold winds of winter have now turned into the heat that scorches the body. Barley and gram grown in our fields are such food grains that protect the body from the heat that lasts throughout the summer. In case of extreme heat, a person suffers from Sattu. Uses. Sattu has a cooling effect and is delicious. It protects the body from the terrible heat wave that occurs in summers. It can be prepared easily.
Flour is ground by roasting or roasting gram and barley and syrup is made from that flour and drunk. At some places only gram sattu is used. Add sugar, sugar or salt as per one’s taste. Drinking a glass of Sattu sherbet keeps the body cool throughout the day. In earlier times, when people used to go on long journeys, they used to pack Sattu flour with them and take it wherever they needed. If they found a well or a stepwell, they used Sattu mixed with cold water. They used to prepare it and drink Sattu to quench their thirst and hunger. Another special thing was that these people used to keep a pot with them from which from time to time they would tie their turban or any other cloth around the neck of the pot and take water from the well or stepwell. In this way they would complete their journey. Used to make it simple and easy. Most of the people used to use salty Sattu, due to which the salt released from the body along with sweat was compensated by the salt found in Sattu. It was also convenient to carry salt.
People who like to eat sweet Sattu, they mix roasted gram or barley flour or both flours in the ratio of one to three and dissolve it in fresh or pitcher cold water along with sugar or sugar. Some people also eat Sattu. I like it. Sweets are added to cold water and dissolved like porridge and then eaten with a spoon, but Sattu sherbet is more beneficial. Sattu has a cold nature and is eaten or drunk in the morning on an empty stomach because it also helps in filling the stomach. Cleans. Therefore, one gets relief from gas, indigestion and constipation in the stomach. Sattu tastes delicious in both ways but thick sattu does not provide as much benefit as the juicy one. Therefore, Sattu should always be drunk and not eaten. It is a matter of individual taste, some like sweet Sattu and some like salty, but both types of Sattu are beneficial.
At present, Sattu is used in abundance. People use Sattu instead of cold drinks. In earlier times, people, especially in rural areas, did not know about the properties of Sattu. They used to eat Sattu as food. Joe’s Sattu was specially made. A farmer’s field grows barley in summer, which is also cool in nature. It also helps in digestion. Because it was cold, we used to eat Sattu only in the afternoon. There was more physical work, hence there was no problem in digestion, but the time to eat or drink Sattu is in the morning when the stomach is empty. . Sattu should be drunk in the form of sherbet. If you want to drink sweet Sattu, then add sugar or sugar in it. The thing about salty Sattu is unique, onion, green chillies and green coriander leaves should be cut into small pieces and added to it. Rock salt or black salt or both should be added in equal quantity and dissolved.
One should enjoy the delicious Sattu by pouring salty Sattu in glass glasses and adding pieces of onion, green chillies and green coriander which are already chopped.
Consuming Sattu in summer is very beneficial. It protects the body from the heat wave in summer afternoon. Prevents terrible diseases like cholera. Keeps the stomach clean. Provides relief from digestive diseases like gas, indigestion, constipation etc. Drinking Sattu sherbet in the morning gives a feeling of coolness throughout the day, because Sattu is made from roasted gram and roasted barley flour. It has a cooling effect, hence Sattu is eaten or drunk only in summer. It is very beneficial for health but should not be drunk again and again. Children and seniors should also drink it in limited quantity as it has a pronounced effect. Instead of being healthy, avoid becoming sick.
During the summer season, taking care of your health becomes particularly important due to the higher temperatures and increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Here are some specific health care tips for the summer season
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can occur quickly in hot weather, so it’s essential to stay hydrated.
Protect Your Skin: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside to protect your skin from sunburn and skin damage. Reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Stay Cool: Seek out air-conditioned environments or use fans and coolers to stay cool indoors. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, spend time in shaded areas or take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors to help reflect sunlight and heat. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide additional protection from the sun.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Try to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically from late morning to early evening. If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and avoid strenuous activities.
Eat Light Meals: Opt for light, refreshing meals that are easy to digest, such as salads, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid heavy, hot foods that can increase your body temperature.
Exercise Safely: If you exercise outdoors, do so during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise, and listen to your body’s signals to avoid overexertion.
Be Mindful of Heat-related Illnesses: Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else shows sign of heat-related illness.
Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Keep an eye on children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions, as they may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Make sure they are staying hydrated and cool.
Prepare for Emergencies: Have a plan in place for dealing with emergencies, such as power outages or heatwaves. Know where to find cooling centers or emergency medical services if needed.
By following these health care tips, you can stay safe and healthy during the summer season, even in hot and humid conditions.
During the summer, it’s important to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to keep your body healthy and energized. Here are some recommendations for what to drink and eat during the summer.