Herbalist urges Isloo-ites to stay hydrated

Advises capital residents to beat the heat by staying indoors during peak daytime

ISLAMABAD:

A health expert on Wednesday recommended to the general public to remain indoors during the daytime and drink plenty of fluids to keep themselves hydrated as the soaring heat has shown signs of dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke and restlessness in many people.

Talking to a private news channel, herbalist Dr Ghalib Agha advised citizens with complaints of headaches to use plenty of water and make lifestyle changes, especially in the summer when temperatures will touch above 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

He further suggested that people should limit the consumption of heavy, greasy and spicy foods as these could increase metabolic issues, which would make them feel more uncomfortable in hot weather. “Getting enough water every day is important to keep the body functioning correctly,” he said, adding, that the human body needs more water when people are in warmer climates, physically active, running a fever, and having diarrhoea or vomiting.

“Babies and small children feel the effects of heat sooner and more seriously than adults. Children in cars need special protection from heat as cars can heat up very quickly,” Agha said, adding, that a parked, locked car could reach dangerously high temperatures very quickly, even if the windows were open slightly.

Replying to a question, he said hot weather could increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. Older people, babies and young children are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, he added.

The herbalist suggested that consuming fluids was essential throughout the day regularly and the summer diet should focus on light and refreshing meals like green vegetables and yoghurt, which would keep the people hydrated and provide essential nutrients while being low in calories.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2024.