What causes the body to feel lethargic in the heat?

According to Dr Dilip Gude, a Senior Consultant Physician at Yashoda Hospital, lethargy during a heatwave can be due to metabolic disturbances such as altered levels of: Sodium Potassium Magnesium Calcium Hypercoagulable states Blood pressure Sugar fluctuations

How can one tackle heat-induced lethargy?

Dr Gude emphasises on the importance of hydration, and how heat waves can cause dehydration which can lead to feelings of exhaustion , fatigue, confusion, and in extreme cases even heat shock. He says that “plain water is the best hydrating agent”

What food should be actively consumed in the summer?

According to Dr Jahan, fruits and vegetables with high water content should be consumed to tackle the heat and keep the body’s liquid content high. She recommends the consumption of fruits and vegetables such as: Cucumbers Tomatoes Watermelon Lime Onions Broccoli Leafy vegetables Moreover, Dr Gude provides a list of easily digested foods that should be consumed, such as, Idli Curd rice Upma Buttermilk

What should be avoided during the summer?

Dr Gude speaks about the ill effects of alcohol and smoking on the body, especially amidst the heat.

Should meal timings be modified to cope with the heat?

Dr Jahan mentions how, although meal timings need not be modified, they should be consumed in small and frequent quantities. Moreover, the mineral and water content of the meals should be high. Thus, according to both doctors, an effective way of coping with the heat is to always stay hydrated, consume a diet with high water content and antioxidant properties, and wear breathable clothing.

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Is the Summer Heat Making You Lethargic? Here’s How You Can Beat It With Food

Lethargy is a common side effect of rising temperatures. Experts recommend changes in diet to cope with it.

Muskaan Grover

Published: 28 Apr 2023, 7:00 AM IST

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The soaring heat has left few unaffected. Lethargy and fatigue are common side effects of the extreme rise in temperature.

It can even cause drastic symptoms like nausea, dizziness, rapid and shallow breaths, weakness, low blood pressure, and even swelling in ankles and hands.

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Is the Summer Heat Making You Lethargic? Here’s How You Can Beat It With Food

Lethargy is a common side effect of rising temperatures. Experts recommend changes in diet to cope with it.

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Topics: Heatwave Nutrition