May has just begun and already the heat is scorching. Makes one cringe at the thought of how hot the next two months are likely to be. And so out comes our list of do’s and don’ts to beat the summer heat. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can help us breeze through the hot summers.

• Ok, top of the list. Drink lots and lots of water. As much as you can. It is important to keep our bodies hydrated, keeps our bodies healthy and skin glowing. If you can’t have too much of plain water, make some lemonade or buttermilk – some light, salty chass or cool lassi are irresistable in summers. You could also add some juice concentrate or RoohAfza to water, for taste. Just make sure you aren’t dehydrated. However, avoid drinking ice-cold beverages. 
• Go easy on fried foods and consume more of fruits, especially those with high water content, like musk melon, water melon. 
• Salads of tomatoes, cucumbers (both water rich) are good.
• Yogurt or curd are great in this season as they are cooling and are easy to digest. They are also rich in Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Vit. B Complex. Cool cucumber raita is a delight at times when you don’t feel like having food because of the intense heat. Here’s how to make it:

             Take a medium sized cucumber. Grate it and add to a bowl of whipped curd. Add salt and jeera (ground cuminseeds) to taste. Enjoy with a meal or as a stand alone. Works as a good rehydrator.

• Wear cotton clothes.
• Bathe twice a day.
• If you have a tendency to develop rash on your skin in summers, you could try these:

1. Apply ice-packs on affected area
2. Apply cooled cucumber juice on the rash. 
3. Use a mix of curd and fuller’s earth as a face-pack.
4. Maintain good hygiene. Use a good talc or baking soda if you sweat excessively.
5. Use a good scrub to exfoliate and ensure pores do not get blocked because of excessive oiliness in summer.

Tags: healthy eating, healthy living, natural health