Your diet can help regulate body temperature; some foods that can increase and decrease heatstroke risk

Various regions have issued heat wave alerts and recorded high temperatures. And if you're planning to step outside, you may be at risk of a heat stroke. This makes it even more important to eat the right food as it directly affects our bodies. Your diet can play a pivotal role in ensuring you remain cool during this season.

The soaring temperatures in summers may put you at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstrokes. (Source: Freepik)

With temperatures soaring with each passing day, summer has loudly announced its arrival in the country. In fact, certain regions have already issued heatwave alerts and recorded high temperatures at this time of the year. As such, if you are planning to step outside, it is essential for you to save yourself from the risks of heatstroke and dehydration. While opting for loose, cotton clothes, applying sunscreen, and wearing hats and sunglasses are a must, eating the right foods can also make a huge difference. That is because your diet can play a pivotal role in ensuring your body remain cool during this season.

Explaining that when the body is exposed to high temperatures, it produces more sweat to cool down, which leads to dehydration and loss of important nutrients, Neha Pathania, Chief Dietician, Paras Health, Gurugram said, “A balanced and nutritious diet can provide the body with the necessary electrolytes, minerals, and fluids needed to maintain proper hydration levels and prevent heat stroke. Foods that are high in water content — such as fruits and vegetables — and those containing electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium, can help replenish lost nutrients and fluids. Proper hydration and a balanced diet can help the body regulate its temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses.”

Hydration is key when preventing heatstrokes. (Source: Freepik)

Foods that can prevent heatstroke:

*Watermelon: The high-water content of watermelon can help avoid heatstroke. It also contains electrolytes, antioxidants, potassium and amino acids that can help ease muscle cramps, which are a sign of heatstroke.

*Cucumber: A cucumber composes of almost 90 per cent water. “As heatstroke happens due to dehydration, cucumbers allow you to stay naturally hydrated. They also help detoxify the body and give an energy boost,” Pathania told indianexpress.com.

*Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a popular summer drink that has hydrating, detoxifying, probiotic and immunity-boosting properties. As it generally contains rock salt, it can prevent heat exhaustion, which is caused due to salt depletion.

*Coconut water: It helps hydrate your body by balancing the electrolytes.

Story continues below this ad

*Apple cider vinegar: It helps regulate the sodium and potassium levels in the body, which prevent heatstroke.

If you want to lower your chances of heat stroke, it is important to avoid certain foods that can contribute to dehydration and heat-related illnesses, according to the expert. These include:

*Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration and increase the risk of heat stroke.

*Caffeine: Caffeine can also contribute to dehydration and should be limited, especially during hot weather.

Story continues below this ad

*Salty foods: Foods high in salt can contribute to dehydration by making you thirstier and increasing water loss from the body.

*Fatty foods: High-fat foods can increase metabolic heat production and raise body temperature, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

*Sugary foods: Sugary foods and drinks can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can contribute to fatigue and dehydration.

ALSO READ | Sun poisoning vs heatstroke: Understanding the differences (and severity)

Concluding, Pathania said, “To lower your risk of heat stroke, it is important to focus on a balanced and nutritious diet that includes plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains. Staying hydrated, by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, can also help prevent heat-related illnesses.”

Story continues below this ad

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!