When temperature soars, drink up and stay cool

Dehydration is a serious risk in the coming months and water and traditional coolants like buttermilk are the optimum solution.

March 30, 2015 08:06 am | Updated 08:06 am IST

The vitamin-rich muskmelon is readily available during the summer and is an excellent way to stay cool. Photo: M. Karunakaran

The vitamin-rich muskmelon is readily available during the summer and is an excellent way to stay cool. Photo: M. Karunakaran

Are you a summer person, who likes to or has to roam about under the clear blue skies?

If so, then ensure you get enough hydration through the summer, since dehydration is a serious risk for everyone at this time.

Dehydration is the excess loss of fluid, leading to metabolic imbalances. If left unchecked, it can lead to more serious problems, say doctors. During the summer months, especially in humid places like Chennai, people are more prone to dehydration. To prevent these problems, doctors advice against consuming food high in sugar, or salt, including soft drinks.

According to Jaichitra Suresh, consultant general physician at SRM Institutes for Medical Science, even glucose supplements are a bad idea.

“Glucose is only for people who have lost energy through strenuous exercise, or those who need more energy, and not for mere rehydration. Instead, oral rehydration solutions are recommended,” she said.

“It is better to stick to drinks like buttermilk, tender coconut water, or even plain water during the summer. For adults, around 3-4 litres of water a day is ideal,” said Dr. Suresh.

Kannan Bhaktavatsalam, a resident of Thoraipakkam, said the doctor has advised him to stay off soft drinks, and instead drink more water and eat fruits.

This year, he has decided to switch from aerated drinks to more traditional options, including tender coconut water, buttermilk, padhaneer (from the palm tree) and rice soaked in water overnight, to cool off.

Many residents across the city have also taken the decision to stick to the advice of their forefathers to keep cool during summer.

R.K. Raghunath, a resident of T. Nagar, and his wife plan to have ragi (a millet) porridge or rice soaked in water overnight, with raw onions and curds, every morning, till the end of summer. “We have had this routine for a while and find it comfortable in the heat. We start by February end and continue to have this breakfast till July,” he said.

Since it is also an apt time to lose weight, people like Kavinmalar said they eat plenty of watermelon and sprouts this time of the year.

For people who are looking to lose weight during summer, Dr. Suresh recommends avoiding fruit juices since studies indicate fruit juices can increase the risk of diabetes.

“To make a single glass of fruit juice, a large number of fruits is used, which means a lot more sugar is ingested. Juices also have lesser fibre than regular fruits,” she said, adding, simply eating fruits like watermelon, apples, guava and sweet lime are the best options for summer.

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