Many parts of the country, including Northern India, are currently facing severe heat and heat wave. The temperature is continuously increasing, which is not only causing sunburn but also increasing the risk of health deterioration. The temperature in Delhi and Rajasthan has reached 46 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for people to step out of the house. Amidst this scorching heat, it is important to pay special attention to your diet and fluid intake. To protect the common people from this scorching heat and heat wave, the Union Health Ministry and AYUSH Ministry have recently issued a government advisory. In this guideline, it is advised to include some things which will keep the body cool from inside and protect it from the ill effects of heat wave. Let’s see what you should include in your plate this season.
**Get instant relief from these 5 drinks**
According to government advisory, heat wave is taking a toll on people, and in times like these, just drinking plain water is not enough. To maintain the body’s electrolytes and fluid levels, make these traditional Indian drinks a part of your daily diet:
**Buttermilk and Lassi:** To cool the stomach and improve digestion, do not forget to drink buttermilk or lassi at least once a day.
**Aam Panna:** Made from raw mango, *Aam Panna* acts as a protective shield for the body against the ill effects of heat wave. This is the reason why there is a glut of mangoes in the markets in summer, and people consume them with great enthusiasm.
**Lemon water and coconut water:** Both lemon water and coconut water provide instant hydration to the body and help prevent the deficiency of essential minerals.
**Tamarind water:** Tamarind water is also considered very beneficial in reducing the effects of heat stroke. It is considered a very effective solution to control body temperature.
**Eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables**
During the summer months, one should consume foods that have high water content. This helps in preventing dehydration in the body. Therefore, prioritize water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet; Consuming these keeps the digestive system healthy.
**Fruits:** During summers, be sure to include juicy fruits like watermelon, melon, oranges and grapes in your diet. Eating these not only prevents dehydration, but also provides many essential nutrients to the body.
**Vegetables:** Eating vegetables like cucumber, tomato and mustard greens is considered very beneficial in this season. Don’t forget to include mint chutney and curd in your lunch, as these help in keeping the body cool.
**What to eat and what not to eat?**
Eating certain things in this season increases the internal heat of the body. Therefore, it is better that you avoid such things immediately.
**Eat light food:** Always eat light, fresh and easily digestible food in summer. Completely avoid stale food, because bacteria grow very quickly in it.
**Avoid protein foods:** The body has to work harder to digest large amounts of meat, fish, heavy pulses or protein-rich food, which increases the internal heat of the body.
**Say ‘no’ to tea and coffee:** Many Indians feel that their morning is incomplete without tea, but in summers, drinking tea, coffee, cola or sweet cold drinks causes dehydration in the body very quickly. Drinking alcohol in this season can also be very dangerous.
**Keep these things in mind**
Avoid cooking in the kitchen between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, when the heat is at its peak. If you must work in the kitchen, keep windows and doors open so that there is proper circulation of air. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, keep drinking water every now and then.
