High ambient temperatures and humid environments can have adverse effects on health. The sweat and heat can easily make you feel lethargic and lead to dehydration, or even heat exhaustion. Thus, it’s important to take precautions.
So here are 5 no-sweat ways to help you beat the heat, many of which you can do right now to stay cooler and more comfortable.
1/ STAY HYDRATED
Staying hydrated is the simple rule of surviving the heat. Consuming 2 litres of water is important for every individual in all the weather but during the hot & rainy season, you need to do a little bit more due to easy water loss from the body. Have juice, coconut water and hydrating fruits.
But avoid caffeine and nicotine intake as it can increase the body’s core temperature by constricting the blood vessels which warms the blood and makes you feel hot and sweaty.
2/ TAKE LUKEWARM SHOWERS
Taking a cold shower in hot weather seems relaxing and comforting. But scientists suggest that this makes you feel even hotter. That’s because when you take a cool shower your body has to work harder to warm up again. Studies suggest that warm water cools your bloodstream. So, opting for it is a better option.
3/ EAT LIGHT MEALS
Eating heavy meals can also generate heat in the body and make you feel uncomfortable. After a large meal, your body has to work harder to digest the food and metabolise it. This eventually increases your core temperature and makes you feel sweaty and lethargic afterwards. Consume light and freshly cooked meals, cut down on processed food and intake of salty foods.
4/ COOL YOUR TOES
If you are feeling excessively hot, an easy way to bring your temperature down is by cooling your toes. Putting wet clothes and soaking your feet in cool water for some time can relax you and make you feel less hot.
5/ DRESS RIGHT
Wearing tight fitted and dark coloured clothes can make you more sweaty. If you intend to stay cool and avoid excessive sweating, opt for loose, light-coloured cotton clothes. Your sweat does not evaporate when you wear thick clothes. Besides, dark colours absorb more wavelengths of light, making you feel hotter.
HOW TO RECOGNISE THE SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION?
Feeling nauseous? Having headaches, dizziness and confusion? Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach or excessive sweating and pale skin? Those might be the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
The most important is to cool down your body right away by resting in a cool place, on your back with your legs elevated higher than your heart level. You also need to drink cool fluids. Try to stick to water or sports drinks. You can also take a cool shower, soak in a cool bath, or put towels soaked in cool water on your skin.
For further medical advice, you can also consult online our licensed doctors.
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