ANN/THE DAILY STAR – During the hot weather, our bodies crave something different. Rather than sticking to our usual diet, it’s essential to adapt our food habits. It’s common knowledge that our body needs to replenish the water lost, but is this enough?
We spoke to dietician Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin about the dietary changes one should make to stay healthy. Here are some of her suggestions.
ADD PROBIOTICS
Natural probiotics like yoghurt are essential for hot weather. It helps not only in retaining the water content of the body, but also boosts immunity and aids in digestion. Dieticians recommend one to two servings of yoghurt every day during warmer days.
CUT DOWN ON COFFEE/TEA
In the raging heat, it is a good idea to cut down on coffee and tea. They act as diuretics, which essentially translates to a higher rate of expulsion of water from the body. Go for a glass of lemon juice instead.
VITAMIN C
Speaking of lemon juice… a good amount of vitamin C also means a strong immunity. Try to add other sour ingredients to your diet.
A ‘NAY’ FOR SALT
Reduce your salt intake. Say no to your cravings for chips as they tend to increase the sodium intake in your body. A lower sodium level is also essential for maintaining blood pressure.
STICK TO FISH
Animal protein is hard for us to digest. You will feel much relieved and light if you shift your source of dietary protein from red meat to fish. An added benefit is that fish reduce inflammation, while also lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Certain fish are rich in omega-3, which reduces inflammation.
PRESERVATION ESSENTIALS
High temperatures often aid in the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Food gets putrid earlier in hot weather. So, even if you are preserving food in a refrigerator, we suggest that it should be stored temporarily and not for prolonged periods.
STAY HYDRATED
One cannot reiterate enough the need for hydration during hot days. An average human being needs two to two-and-a-half litres of water. Given the heatwave we are experiencing, it is advised to increase water intake by 500 mililitre more than the essential intake. Go for mineral water, if possible, as it contains potassium, which helps in water retention. – Mannan Mashhur Zarif
