New Delhi, June 2 (IANS). These days the havoc of heat is being seen. This is called Nautapa. At this time the sun’s rays become very strong and the temperature of the environment goes much above normal. From a scientific point of view, during this time, heat stroke i.e. the heat pressure on the body increases, due to which the body works harder to maintain its normal temperature.
In such a situation, wrong eating habits can further increase the body temperature, due to which the risk of dehydration, heat stroke and digestive problems increases rapidly.
According to health experts, during Nautapa, the body needs such food which is light, gets digested quickly and does not give extra heat to the body, but on the contrary, if we take heavy and oily food then the body has to spend more energy in digesting it. In scientific language it is called metabolic heat production. Burgers, pizza, French fries and other fried foods slow down the digestive system and can cause fatigue and weakness by increasing heat inside the body.
Similarly, eating too much spicy food also affects the body temperature. Some compounds present in chillies and spicy spices speed up the body’s metabolism, which can increase internal heat. In such a situation, the risk of dehydration increases.
Whereas the body takes more energy to digest heavy protein food. The body produces more heat during digestion, which makes the body feel more tired in hot weather. This is why experts consider light protein items better in this season.
Talking about beverages, cold drinks and soda give an instant cooling sensation, but the sugar present in them can affect the electrolyte balance of the body. Excess sugar reduces the body’s ability to retain water, which can gradually increase dehydration. Similarly, caffeine present in tea, coffee and energy drinks removes water from the body rapidly. This causes the body to lose water through urination and may increase weakness and fatigue in summer.
Packaged snacks high in salt, such as chips and namkeen, can also be harmful to the body. The excess sodium present in it draws water from the body cells, due to which the fluid balance in the body gets disturbed. Due to already lack of water in the body, this condition becomes even more dangerous in summer.
During Nautapa, stale and open food can also become a major cause of infection. Bacteria grow rapidly in hot weather, increasing the risk of food poisoning and other infections. Similarly, very cold things or ice water can cause sudden changes in body temperature, which affects the digestive system.
To avoid all these risks, light, fresh and hydrating food is considered best. Consumption of coconut water, buttermilk, lassi, sattu and seasonal fruits helps in keeping the body cool. Drinking adequate amount of water protects the body from heat stroke.
–IANS
PK/VC