Kerala is sweating under the blazing sun although the summer season is a few months away. Kottayam, meanwhile, has recorded the highest temperature in the state. The current temperature recorded in many places is around 4 degrees higher than the average temperature during the same period last year. The warming up of the Arabian Sea and the hot winds blowing in the opposite direction from the North India are said to be the reasons behind the sudden surge in the mercury levels. Though the weather had been comfortable in the last two days, the temperature is likely to soar again by the last week of February. Meanwhile, the summer showers that are expected in the first week of February may ease the heat.
Here are some tips to stay fit during the harsh summer
Do not eat chicken, mutton and beef in huge quantities. It is better to avoid colas and sodas as well. Try to eat less spicy food. You could also cut down on the tea and coffee intake during the summer. Having ice creams to cool off your body is a bad idea. Fruits like pineapple and papaya too have to be consumed in limited portions.
You could eat rice with yoghurt and buttermilk. Include milk and butter in the regular diet. Fruits are excellent to beat the summer heat. Small fruits are rich in vitamins and are healthier. Try to use coconut oil as much as possible.
Lemon juice, fresh fruit juices, tender coconut water and sugar cane juice are excellent to quench thirst. Gruel juice, butter milk, water boiled with coriander, ramacham (herbal root), nannari and pathimugam too could be used.
Kids should drink up to 4 ½ litres of water a day and adults should drink up to 8 litres.
Fiery sun
Try not to stand under the sun especially during the peak hours. You could wear comfortable outfits that cover your body, without exposing your face or hands. It is better not to go out between 12 in the noon and 3 pm. Even if you go out, try to stand in the shade as much as you can. Drink at least 3 glasses of water in an hour. Wash face and eyes using clean water at intervals.
Information courtesy:
Dr. Prasanth Kumar (Unit Chief, Department of Medicine, Medical College, Kottayam)
Dr. KT Vinod Krishnan (Aamiya Ayurveda Nursing Home, Pattambi)
Dr. S Abhilash (Cochin University of Science and Technology)