Reduce risk of heat stroke according to modern Ayurvedic scriptures




Risk of heatstroke is increasing in the inflammatory heat

People's daily lives have been disrupted by very scorching heat. Along with dehydration, excessive fatigue and weakness in your body, heatstroke has become the biggest problem. The ongoing heatwave, especially in large parts of northwest India, has further aggravated the situation. Although there is a possibility of thunderstorms and rain in some areas of West Bengal, there is a threat of heatstroke due to humidity and temperature. According to ayurvedic doctors main cause of this problem is staying in the sun for a long time and failing to control human body's excessive temperature.

NCRB data says men are at higher risk of heatstroke, but do you know why?

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 1,832 people are died of heatstroke in India in 2024. The number of heatstroke deaths in 2015 was 1,908. However, due to the lockdown during the Covid pandemic, there was a temporary decrease in the death rate due to less movement of people outside. In 2021, 374 people died of heatstroke. But once normal life resumes this risk increases very rapidly. It is clear from these data that heatstroke is now becoming a major public health problem with climate change and rising temperatures.

Why are men more likely to die?

An analysis of the data showed that the death rate from heatstroke is much higher in men. Men between the ages of 30 and 59 are most at risk. Because most of the people of this age are engaged in manual labor. Masons, transport workers, delivery workers, agricultural workers, factory workers or construction workers have to work in the scorching heat day after day. By staying in sun for a long time the water of body reduces rapidly and the temperature of body increases abnormally. In such a situation, if the body is not able to keep itself cool, then there is a risk of heatstroke.

Increases the risk of physical

According to experts, men's bodies produce more heat because they have a higher muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. During excessive exertion, this heat inside the body increases rapidly. Although men and woman sweat a lot they don't dry properly in humid weather. As a result, the body is not able to cool down. On the other hand, the estrogen hormone in the women's body helps to regulate the temperature and provides some extra protection. So risk of heatstroke is higher in men even if they work in the same hot environment.

Negligence is a danger

Often people do not pay attention to the initial symptoms of heatstroke. Excessive sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, muscle tension or body heat are considered by many to be general fatigue. But if not taken care of on time, the condition can turn fatal. Also, smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking too much tea and coffee, and drinking less water dehydrate the body more quickly. This disrupts the salt balance in the body and increases the risk of heatstroke several times.

How to protect yourself from heat stroke?

It is important to keep your body cool and hydrated during the summer. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout a day and also drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Watermelon, cucumber, coconut water, lemon juice, watermelon, orange and water-rich fruits and vegetables help in keeping the body fresh. Avoid too much oily and spicy food. It is very important to wear loose clothes of cotton, use an umbrella or hat on the head and keep a water bottle with you while going out. It is better not to do unnecessary work in the strong sun in the afternoon.

What does Ayurveda say?

According to Indian Ayurveda,  excessive heat increases 'pitta dosha' in your body. Excessive heat, weakness, dizziness and discomfort arise in the body due to the excess of this bile. Therefore, in Ayurveda, special importance has been given to keeping the body cool in summer. Regular consumption of coconut water, ghol, bael sherbet, fennel soaked water and coriander sherbet keeps the body temperature under control. In Ayurveda, herbs like amla, gulanch, brahmi and shatavari are also believed to help in keeping the body cool. Avoiding the midday sun, getting enough rest and keeping stress at bay are also important tips from Ayurveda. Also, eat less fried, greasy and spicy food. 

Awareness and prevention is the key.

Heatstroke is now not only a seasonal problem, but it is gradually becoming a life-threatening health hazard. Especially those who work outside or spend a lot of time in the sun need to be more careful. Your carelessness can put in big trouble. So pay attention to the body's signals during the summer, drink water regularly and consult a doctor immediately if necessary. Awareness and timely action is the most effective way to avoid heatstroke.