Dr. Mukesh Batra
Summer has made its presence felt, in every way it could have. Come summer and we end up complaining about various diseases and health problems. Discussed below are some common heat related ailments.
Dehydration
Summer and dehydration go hand in hand. Electrolyte imbalances occur in the body due to excessive sweating and loss of salts from the body. People become weak and the skin gets cold and clammy. Consumption of lemonade, lassi, and coconut water helps to fight dehydration. Homeopathic remedies like Veratrum Alb 30C, 5 pills twice daily, can help to control dehydration better.
Cramps
These are painful muscle contractions which occur due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the body. Homeopathic medicines like Mag Phos 6X, 4 tablets twice daily, can help to alleviate the cramps and reduce the pain.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a general term that refers to infections (bacterial/viral) of the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to several problems such as stomach ache, diarrhea and vomiting causing loss of body fluids, which in turn cause dehydration. Children are usually afflicted. Unhygienic surroundings, contaminated water and food items, and overcrowded areas are known culprits. Not eating at unhygienic places and drinking boiled water can help to keep gastrointestinal infections at bay. Homeopathic medicines like Arsenic Album 30C, 5 pills thrice daily, can help to take care of the diarrhea and vomiting in such cases.
Prickly heat
Excessive sweating leads to prickly heat, which is marked by tiny blisters especially found in the folds of the skin and in areas of tight clothing. Loose clothing and the application of talcum powder or soda bicarb dissolved in cold water on the affected part provides instant relief. Bathing twice daily is known to help. A homeopathic remedy like Nat Sulph 6X, 4 tablets twice daily, can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of the prickly heat rash.
Skin disorders
Come summers and the risk of developing fungal infections and photosensitivity increases because of excessive sweating and prolonged sun exposure. Hence it is better to avoid exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the UV rays are at their highest peak. Loose clothing must be worn. Homeopathic medicines like Chrysarobic Acid 6C, 5 pills twice daily, can help combat fungal infections. Similarly, Ars Alb 30C, 5 pills twice daily, can help to reduce the severity and intensity of photosensitivity.
Heatstroke
It is a sure shot sign that summer is overwhelming you. With the mercury rising and global warming affecting many cities, a number of cases of acute dehydration and heatstroke have been reported, especially in children. Hence, it becomes medically important to maintain the salt levels of the body; or else, it can result into a heatstroke, a common and serious problem in summer. Patients suffer from fever, dizziness, headache, nausea, absence of perspiration and may even slip into a coma. A lot of people think that drinking adequate water is enough. In fact, it will just add to the problem, as you will sweat more and further lose essential salts. One should drink fruit juices, lemon juice, lassi, and similar fluids that can help to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body as this is very important. Children are at a greater risk of suffering from dehydration and heatstroke as they often forget to drink water while playing outdoors. Moreover, it is difficult to stop them from playing in the sun. Therefore, the fluid intake should be monitored and the best solution is to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Homeopathic medicines like Gelsemium provide good results in heatstroke cases. People from cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad, where temperatures are known to soar, can take this medicine as a preventive to protect themselves against a heatstroke.
Now that summer’s here, this is what you can do to beat the heat.
- Avoid fried food: Eating excessive fried food leads to lethargy as it slows down the digestion process. Go for grilled, steamed and roasted food instead. It’s not just healthy but also keeps you feeling light all day.
- Reduce your intake of coffee and tea: Consuming excessive coffee and tea causes increased urination, which leads to water loss.
- Avoid consuming stale fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables that are cut well in advance lose water and are prone to degradation. It is always advisable to eat them freshly cut/peeled. Also, avoid eating stale food as it could be a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Do not overeat: Overeating is bad in any season. Chew your food properly and never eat in a hurry. In the summer, have light meals, especially at night. Heavy food may cause indigestion and lead to loose motions and vomiting. Avoid long gaps between meals. Eat three times a day, interspersed with frequent snacks like salads, sprouts and fruit. By doing so, you avoid overeating at meal times.
- Avoid excessive smoking and alcohol intake: Avoid both alcohol and cigarettes, as they take away oxygen from the blood and reduce the oxygenation of the lungs. They also dehydrate the body and raise its temperature.
- Avoid carbonated drinks: Avoid these, as they produce gas in the body and lead to poor digestion as well as gastrointestinal distress.
- Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes: It goes without saying that tight, skin-hugging clothes will impede circulation, increase sweating and cause discomfort. Wear loose and light-coloured clothes to stay cool all day.
- Maintain good hygiene: Bathe twice and keep the body dry. Use a prickly heat powder.
- Avoid peak sun exposure: Stay indoors between 10 am and 4 pm as UV rays are at the peak. Use a sunscreen lotion with SPF of 15 or 30 on exposed parts half an hour before you step out in the sun and reapply it every 4-6 hours.
So, the next time that summer is around the corner, remember to use the goodness of Homeopathy to keep yourself healthy and to stay free from worrying about developing a heatstroke or other summer maladies.
