Fit & Proper: Is the summer heat affecting your mood?

Travelling to work and battling traffic during the months of March to May are not only difficult, but also exhausting. In India, the summer temperatures we witness affect us both physically as well as mentally.

The heat causes changes in the body that lead to exhaustion, aggressive behaviour and mood changes. Profuse sweating during summer causes constant loss of body water, which can lead to dehydration and heat stroke. Body water, which constitutes 65 per cent of the total body weight, is critical and contains electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride of which the most important is sodium.

Sodium is present in the body in very high concentrations and it regulates the supply of various nutrients, especially glucose to vital organs. When we sweat due to heat, the body loses sodium and water.

This eventually compromises the supply of glucose, especially to the brain and muscles. This leads to irritable mood and physical as well as mental exhaustion. Studies have revealed that low sodium concentration is the principal cause of heat stroke, mood irritability and excessive exhaustion.

Hot temperatures during summer, combined with humidity, often affect our sleep, causing sleep deprivation. This, in turn, affects concentration at work and leaves one feeling tired and irritable.

QUICK TIPS

• Add a pinch of salt (major source of sodium) to water before going out in the heat.
   
• Opt for jaljeera, sweet lime juice, coconut water and buttermilk over high calorie soft drinks.
   
• Add fruits such as watermelon and papaya to your diet (they contain a lot of water).
   
• Avoid temperature extremes. Wait for at least 10 minutes before you drink a bottle of chilled water immediately after reaching home.

Mugda Padhye
In-house specialist, Poccare