India is baking! Heatwave-like conditions have been observed across all parts of the country this week, with Tuesday seeing temperatures soar well above seasonal norms, according to reports. In major cities
such as Delhi, which recorded 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, 41 to 43 degrees in Ahmedabad and Nagpur, and 40-41 degrees in Jaipur and Lucknow, while Uttar Pradesh’s Banda and Maharashtra’s Vidarbha saw temperatures cross the 47-degree mark for two days straight.
Following this, the AYUSH Ministry, under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, released a health advisory. The official statement available on the Press Information Bureau has provided detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings and sports events to safeguard themselves against heat stress and heat-related illnesses. It emphasises adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, use of light cotton clothing, and consumption of seasonal fruits and fluids rich in electrolytes.
Among the 6-page health advisory, written on page number 4 was a one-liner that has caught a lot of people’s attention. It stated, “Drink Milk with Sugar: A simple way to stay hydrated and maintain energy is by drinking milk with added sugar.”
A relatively unknown nuska, it was a surprisingly and highly debated addition to a health advisory list for the heatwaves.
Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai, speaking to Indian Express, shares how the summer heat this year has been extremely tough on people, especially, children and the elderly. “The extreme heat is leading to headaches, dehydration, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, gastric issues, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney infections. Many people are required to work in extreme heat and fail to stay hydrated. As extreme heat causes dehydration, it becomes important to ensure proper hydration.”
Ask Fauziya Ansari about adding sugar to milk and how it can help people during the heatwaves, she said, “It helps you stay energised. Milk contains water, protein, calcium, potassium, and other important nutrients that can help support the body when there is too much heat outside. Adding some sugar can give you quick energy and may help people who feel weak, tired, or dehydrated due to excessive sweating and heat exposure. Milk can have a cooling effect on the body and help to get rid of tiredness and fatigue.”
Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, shared how milk with a little bit of sugar can be a “comforting drink”. “However, calling it a complete solution for hydration might be too simple,” remarked Sheikh.
For those with diabetes, milk and sugar should be consumed in moderation as “having too much milk can also lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, acidity, diarrhoea, or digestive problems. So, it is better to seek an expert’s advice and then only have it. Going overboard is a strict no-no,” Fauziya Ansari said.
Amreen Sheikh also clarified that “quick energy” and “sustained energy” are two separate things. While sugar can provide a quick lift, it might lead to a sudden drop in energy levels for people too: “A steadier source of energy usually comes from foods and drinks that combine protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.”
However, the curated list was also pretty comprehensive. It included other suggestions, which included the following:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: When going outside, use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize sun exposure. This helps prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
- Eat Light Meals: Before leaving the house, opt for light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid heavy or oily foods, as they can increase body heat.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in full-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes made from fabrics like cotton. This provides better protection against direct sunlight and helps to keep you cool
- Apply Cooling Pastes: Use pastes made from aromatic medicinal plants like sandalwood and vetiver on your skin to help cool down during hot weather.
- Include Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables: Consume fruits and vegetables that contain high water content, such as grapes, cucumber, watermelon, water chestnut, muskmelon, mango, and sugarcane juice. Bael sharbat is also an excellent option to beat the heat.
The AYUSH Ministry did mention drinking “plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated”, while including lemonade, buttermilk, coconut water, and fruit juices to maintain fluid levels and stay cool. Another to do this by adding cooling ingredients like khus (vetiver), sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), jeera (cumin), and dhanyaka (coriander seeds) to your water to “help reduce body heat”. One can also make and consume sattu, a coarse powder made from roasted barley or Bengal gram, mixed with jaggery or rock salt for a cooling and refreshing treat.
