Summer Heatstroke Prevention Tips: Five Foods to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool
Causes and Symptoms of Heatstroke
In hot weather, if you experience symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, chest tightness, and irritability, you might be suffering from heatstroke. Heatstroke generally falls into two categories. The first is high temperature and high radiation, commonly known as dry heat. Intense sun exposure and high temperatures cause the body to lose a significant amount of water. If water is not replenished in time, it's very easy to get heatstroke. The second is high temperature and high humidity, the common hot and humid summer days. When the body cannot sweat normally, an increase in skin blood flow can also lead to heatstroke.
Heatstroke is generally divided into three types: First is heatstroke with prodromal symptoms, characterized by excessive sweating, dizziness, chest tightness, nausea, and limb weakness. Body temperature is normal or slightly elevated. If you can leave the hot environment in time, symptoms will disappear after a short rest. Second is mild heatstroke, which includes prodromal symptoms along with vomiting, clammy skin, and low blood pressure. After treatment, mild heatstroke patients can generally recover within 4-5 hours. Third is severe heatstroke, which often involves sudden unconsciousness in a high-temperature environment. This is often preceded by headaches, numbness and tingling, and dizziness. The skin is hot and flushed, and body temperature is often above 40°C.
Smart Prevention for Summer Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be avoided with proper prevention.
In terms of hydration, first and foremost, you should pay attention to replenishing fluids. The body loses more water in the summer, so you shouldn't wait until you're thirsty to drink, as your body is already in a dehydrated state. Additionally, some trace elements in the body are lost with evaporated sweat, so you should drink some salt water appropriately.
In terms of food, you need to consume enough protein, such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy, and legumes. Also, you should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables that help prevent heatstroke, like tomatoes, watermelon, and bitter melon. Eating a lot of cold drinks can easily lead to heatstroke because a sudden drop in local body temperature can affect the normal functioning of various systems.
When going out, remember to prepare sun protection supplies. It's best not to walk in the scorching sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you must go out during this time, be sure to wear a sun hat, sunglasses, apply sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. In addition, heatstroke prevention and cooling medicines, such as Shui Dian Di, Ren Dan, and Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, must be kept with you. When going out, choose clothes made of cotton, linen, or silk as much as possible, and wear less synthetic fiber clothing to prevent poor heat dissipation when sweating heavily.
In terms of sleep, hot weather also takes a toll on your physical energy and can easily lead to fatigue. Adequate sleep allows the brain and all body systems to relax, which helps prevent heatstroke. While sleeping, avoid lying directly in the path of an air conditioner vent or under an electric fan to prevent "air conditioner disease" and summer colds.
What to Do if You Get Heatstroke
Once heatstroke symptoms appear, you should immediately stop what you are doing, find a cool place to sit and rest; at the same time, rehydrate by taking small, slow sips. Unfasten your collar, tie, etc., to keep the area around your body ventilated, and apply or take anti-heatstroke medicine. After resting for a period of time, if the symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.
Furthermore, if someone around you shows symptoms of heatstroke, you should immediately move the patient to a cool, ventilated area. Unbutton their clothes and use various methods to help the body dissipate heat. Help them take anti-heatstroke medicine. If the symptoms do not improve, call for emergency help immediately.
Five Foods to Fight the Heat
During this hot weather, Dr. Luigi Gratton, an expert from the American Dietetic Association, recommends the following five foods to help you "eat your way to coolness":
Hami Melon: All melons are rich in potassium, but Hami melon contains three times as much as watermelon! The orange-yellow color of its flesh comes from carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can help you resist the harmful effects of the sun.
Berries: Sweet and delicious berries contain substances similar to aspirin, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can effectively reduce damage from sunburn. Additionally, they are a primary source of the antioxidant vitamin C. Grapes, bananas, tomatoes, and citrus fruits are common types of berries suitable for summer consumption.
Spinach: Leafy spinach is rich in water and a large amount of magnesium. The green color of spinach comes from lutein, which can protect the skin and eyes from the sun's harmful effects.
Red Chili Peppers: Chili peppers rich in vitamin C can effectively promote sweating, which has a cooling effect. Garlic and ginger have similar effects.
Sports Drinks: When exercising in a hot and humid environment, sports drinks might be a good choice. They can help you replenish valuable minerals and enhance the body's absorption of fluids.