Chubhti jalti garmi ka mausam aaya! We bet no matter the amount of water you drink in a day, you still feel dehydrated. You still feel that your body is drying out and there’s a lack of proper hydration. In fact, even applying cucumber juice on your face or consuming fruits with a high-water content like watermelon and muskmelon isn’t helping much. Well, rest assured–it’s not your fault. It’s the flaming sun that’s driving all of us crazy. So, we got in touch with celebrity nutritionist Munmun Ganeriwal to guide us on how to keep our body hydrated in the blazing heat.
1. Cumin helps in hydration too
Ganeriwal explains: “The humble spice, jeera (cumin seeds) hydrates, has detox benefits, reduces body heat, cures itchiness, and works wonders for those troubled with acne and pimples.” How can you have this spice? Ganeriwal suggests: “Soak one teaspoon of jeera overnight along with one teaspoon of mishri (rock sugar). In the morning, strain the mixture and drink the water”
2. Have buttermilk or curd daily
Lassi and curd are both great for the gut and cool down the body. So make sure you include them in your diet daily. “You can put jeera powder in your buttermilk or curd,” she suggests, for extra cooling and great taste.
3. Lemongrass, FTW!
“Lemongrass is a great herb for the summer,” says Ganeriwal. According to her, it treats indigestion, keeps you hydrated, improves gut function, and cools the body. “You can make lemongrass tea by steeping the grass in water. You can also use lemongrass by soaking a mesh bag with a handful of leaves in your bathing water,” she adds.
4. Avoid alcohol
“Alcohol is dehydrating in nature and can thus add to the dehydration the heat naturally brings along,” she says. If you must partake, ensure that you drink plenty of water alongside alcohol. “One glass of water for every glass of alcohol is a good way to start,” suggests Ganeriwal.
5. Prefer water from earthen pots over refrigerated water
“Avoid refrigerated water as it hampers digestion. Ayurveda also has always advised against the consumption of chilled water. Instead, drink ‘matka (earthen pot)’ water. It is naturally cool and has the unique ability to reduce the temperature of the water in accordance with the climate,” says Ganeriwal.
