Summer and staying healthy – 5 tips for you! | Dr. Suman Arvind

With the summer months here, staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the harsh sun should be a priority. However, most of us wonder what is the most hydrating drink? Dr. Suman Arvind recommends that you drink at least 2.5 litres of water every day to keep your body hydrated.

Why is it important to stay hydrated in summer?

It is always important to keep your body well hydrated but specially so in the summer months. This is because we lose a lot of our bodily fluids through sweating. You must know that 60% of your body is made up of water and if the body gets dehydrated, it becomes a medical threat. Here are 5 tips to keep hydrated and healthy through the summer months:

• Maintain your water intake: Do not wait to feel thirsty before you drink water. Remind yourself to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses daily, sipping regularly through the day. It is important to understand that when you begin to feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated!
• Include water-based foods in your daily diet:The summer months are the best to get water-based fruits like melons, so make maximum use of what nature gives us. Coconut water, lemonade and buttermilk are some more natural delights that can help you maintain body fluids during the extreme weather.
• Keep electrolytes handy: Electrolytes or oral rehydration salts (ORS) are very helpful in replenishing any lost body fluids. It is recommended that you keep a few sachets at home for yourself and the kids, to help get rejuvenated and manage fatigue due to weather.
• Ensure eating fresh foods: It is imperative that you have fresh meals since food tends to get spoilt soon in the summer. Prepare fresh during meal times or refrigerate and heat well before consuming. Stomach infections are rampant during the summer months and fresh meals are the best way to prevent them.
• Use sunscreen: You must protect your skin when stepping out with moisturizer-based sunscreen. Dermatologists suggest using a sunscreen with SPF 50 for best protection. It is also advisable to use a cap, sunglasses and light coloured full-sleeved cotton clothes when stepping out in the sun.

These tips will help you beat the heat and stay healthy!