With the heat wave in the Northern and various other parts of India, we are vulnerable to falling sick due to heat stroke. If you are someone, who travels via public transport, bike or cycle, you can suffer from heat stroke after being exposed to high temperature.
There are, however, few home remedies that can help you treat the issue at home without eating medicines. Some of the everyday food items can also help you prevent heat stroke. Let’s read about the home remedies and suggestions of our experts.
How Does Heat Wave Affect Our Body?
Dr Pallavi Aga, MBBS MD Doctor, Nutritionist & Life Consultant, says, “Heat stroke is a serious & life-threatening condition to the body. Usually, it is preceded by Heat exhaustion which has to be addressed immediately & not ignored.”
What Are The Symptoms Of Heat Stroke?
Dr Pallavi and her Research Assistant, Dr Tarunashree Prabhakara, shared symptoms of heat stroke that manifest as heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cold, muscle cramps, nausea and headache.
Both the doctors added, “Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and, without emergency treatment, it can lead to death. When body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles can also become damaged, leading to serious complications or even death.”
If you take antihypertensives, anticholinergics and diuretics, they can increase the risk of heat stroke. Hence, you must stay cautious during the summer season.
Treatment Of Heat Stroke With Home Remedies
Coconut Water And Buttermilk
Dr Aga and Dr Prabhakara swear by buttermilk and coconut water as one of the best remedies to treat heat stroke at home. Buttermilk is rich in probiotics, minerals and vitamins that replenish your body for the loss due to excessive sweating.
On the other hand, coconut water hydrates your body. It helps to balance the electrolytes in the body. Dr Pallavi shared caution to not treat dehydration in summers with just plain water because it can lead to electrolyte imbalance.
Tamarind Water
Tamarind water is rich in minerals, vitamins and electrolytes. You can soak some tamarind in boiling water, strain them and drink the juice. You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the sour taste. It can also help to treat some digestive issues due to heat.
Aam Panna
Aam Panna is one of the most common summer drinks found in Indian homes during the summer season. However, did you know that it is also a remedy to treat heat stroke? Made with raw green sour mangoes and some spices, it helps to bring down the temperature of the body.
It contains Kala namak, fennel seeds and cumin seeds or powder that act as electrolytes and boost the energy of the body.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another important ingredient for treating heat stroke at home is apple cider vinegar. You can add it to your fresh juice or mix it with water and honey. It helps to replenish the loss of electrolytes and minerals.
When you sweat, you lose potassium and sodium. They are electrolytes and crucial for the body. Hence, the doctors recommend food items that are rich in potassium, sodium and magnesium to treat heat stroke at home.
Dr Aga and Dr Prabhakara suggest to away from sugary fruit juices like sugarcane juice. They also ask people to stay from aerated drinks that can lead to a spike in sugar in the body. It adds to further dehydration.
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How To Prevent Heat Stroke?
Dr Aga and Dr Prabhakara listed a few points that can help people prevent heat stroke. It includes,
- Avoid going out during the peak hours of the day or afternoon.
- Avoid eating out.
- Add curd to your meals.
- Avoid using too much air conditioner.
- Avoid too many temperature changes.
- Avoid processed and packaged food.
- Take frequent baths, if possible.
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If the condition worsens, Dr Pallavi recommends supplements for electrolytes (sodium and potassium). She also suggests supplements for vitamin C and magnesium. However, one must consult a physician or nutritionist before starting any supplements.
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