Nutrients & more...

When was the last time you had a glass of water today? Somewhere near lunch, when you were feeling hot and thirsty. And then you can't recall....right? Most of us forget this essential 'health food' on a daily basis. What happens if you don’t drink enough water? a) Dehydration :This can be a fatal condition especially in the hot weather. b) Kidney stones : Lack of ample water/fluids might make you prone to kidney stones, and could increase the chances of recurrance if you already have a history. c) Dryness and itching near urethera. d) Urine changes color : It becomes dark and foul smelling because of the high concentration of wastes in it. When to drink? a) Whenever you feel thirsty. b) Even if you are sitting in an A.C. keep a glass full nearby and sip it regularly. c) Before going out in the summer sun. d) Between your alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration. How much is enough? It depends upon the amount utilized in the body, the climate and special ne...

source of image I hail from Rajasthan which lies in the western part of India. It is a very dry area with low rainfall and a desert to boast for landscape. The temperature variations are extreme; ranging from -2 degrees in winters to 40 - 45 degrees in summers. I can confidently say that I really know what is meant by “hot”. The heat, length and dreariness of summers is not limited to Western India which also struggles with low rainfall but extends to other parts as well, where high heat and humidity make summer afternoons unbearable. The data regarding the incidence or prevalence of heat related illnesses in India is not available, but most Indians have read about or known deaths due to heat waves (common in summers). In 1998 about 81 cases of heat stroke were recorded in the city of Chennai (former Madras) during a 23 day long spell of very high heat and humidity [1]. Some of the common conditions which are prevalent in summers and sometimes prove to be life-threatening are: • Hea...