With temperatures continuing to rise across several parts of India, the Ministry of AYUSH and the Director General of Health Services have issued an important public health advisory to help people protect themselves during ongoing heatwave conditions.
The warning comes as many regions experience dangerously high daytime temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Health experts say prolonged exposure to extreme heat can seriously affect the body, especially among children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with existing medical conditions.
While most people know they should drink more water during summer, the advisory also highlights traditional Indian cooling foods, natural summer drinks and daily habits that may help the body cope better with intense heat.
What is heatstroke and why is it dangerous?
Heatstroke is a medical emergency
Heatstroke happens when the body temperature rises dangerously high and the body can no longer cool itself properly. It is considered one of the most serious heat-related illnesses.
If not treated quickly, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. In severe cases, it may even become life-threatening.
Common signs of heatstroke
According to health experts, warning signs may include:
Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if someone shows signs of heatstroke.
Best drinks to stay hydrated during a heatwave
Water remains the most important drink
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the body during extreme heat.
Health experts recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. People who spend time outdoors or sweat heavily may need extra fluids.
Buttermilk, also known as chaas, helps replenish fluids and may support digestion during hot weather. It is often consumed with cumin, mint or a small amount of salt.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes and can help maintain hydration levels, especially after sweating.
Lemon water
Fresh lemon water with a pinch of salt may help replace fluids lost during excessive heat exposure.
Aam panna
This traditional raw mango drink is popular during Indian summers and is often used to help the body cope with high temperatures.
Sattu drink
Made from roasted gram flour, sattu is widely consumed in parts of North India during summer because it is filling and hydrating.
Cooling foods that may help the body during extreme heat
Eat light and hydrating meals
Heavy, oily meals can sometimes make people feel more sluggish during intense heat. The advisory encourages lighter meals with water-rich foods.
Best foods to include during a heatwave
Health experts often recommend:
Habits that can help prevent heatstroke
Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours
Experts advise avoiding outdoor activity between 12 pm and 3 pm whenever possible, as temperatures are usually highest during this period.
If going outdoors is unavoidable:
Signs of dehydration may include:
Keep homes cool
Simple steps may help reduce indoor heat:
Who is most at risk during heatwaves?
Certain groups need extra care
Health authorities say the following groups face a higher risk of heat-related illnesses:
What to do if someone shows signs of heatstroke
Immediate action can save lives
If someone appears confused, faints or develops severe symptoms after heat exposure:
Why traditional summer habits still matter
Many traditional Indian summer practices, from drinking chaas and aam panna to wearing light cotton clothes, are now being reinforced by health experts during heatwave conditions.
Doctors say these simple habits may help the body stay cooler and better hydrated when temperatures become extreme.
As heatwaves become more frequent across India, following basic hydration, diet and lifestyle precautions could play an important role in preventing serious health complications during the summer months.
Inputs from agencies
The warning comes as many regions experience dangerously high daytime temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Health experts say prolonged exposure to extreme heat can seriously affect the body, especially among children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with existing medical conditions.
While most people know they should drink more water during summer, the advisory also highlights traditional Indian cooling foods, natural summer drinks and daily habits that may help the body cope better with intense heat.
What is heatstroke and why is it dangerous?
Heatstroke is a medical emergencyHeatstroke happens when the body temperature rises dangerously high and the body can no longer cool itself properly. It is considered one of the most serious heat-related illnesses.
If not treated quickly, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. In severe cases, it may even become life-threatening.
Common signs of heatstroke
According to health experts, warning signs may include:
- Dizziness
- Severe headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive sweating or unusually dry skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dark yellow urine
- Fainting
- Seizures or unconsciousness in severe cases
Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if someone shows signs of heatstroke.
Best drinks to stay hydrated during a heatwave
Water remains the most important drinkStaying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect the body during extreme heat.
Health experts recommend drinking water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. People who spend time outdoors or sweat heavily may need extra fluids.
Traditional Indian summer drinks
ButtermilkButtermilk, also known as chaas, helps replenish fluids and may support digestion during hot weather. It is often consumed with cumin, mint or a small amount of salt.
Coconut water
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes and can help maintain hydration levels, especially after sweating.
Lemon water
Fresh lemon water with a pinch of salt may help replace fluids lost during excessive heat exposure.
Aam panna
This traditional raw mango drink is popular during Indian summers and is often used to help the body cope with high temperatures.
Sattu drink
Made from roasted gram flour, sattu is widely consumed in parts of North India during summer because it is filling and hydrating.
Cooling foods that may help the body during extreme heat
Eat light and hydrating mealsHeavy, oily meals can sometimes make people feel more sluggish during intense heat. The advisory encourages lighter meals with water-rich foods.
Best foods to include during a heatwave
Health experts often recommend:
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Muskmelon
- Oranges
- Yoghurt
- Mint
- Leafy vegetables
- Seasonal fruits with high water content
Habits that can help prevent heatstroke
Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hoursExperts advise avoiding outdoor activity between 12 pm and 3 pm whenever possible, as temperatures are usually highest during this period.
If going outdoors is unavoidable:
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Use caps, hats or umbrellas
- Carry water
- Take regular breaks in shaded areas
- Never ignore dehydration
Signs of dehydration may include:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Reduced urination
- Dark urine
- Headaches
Keep homes cool
Simple steps may help reduce indoor heat:- Keep curtains closed during peak sunlight
- Use fans and ventilation
- Avoid using heat-generating appliances unnecessarily
- Stay in cooler parts of the house during the afternoon
Who is most at risk during heatwaves?
Certain groups need extra careHealth authorities say the following groups face a higher risk of heat-related illnesses:
- Elderly people
- Infants and children
- Pregnant women
- Outdoor labourers
- Athletes
- People with heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
What to do if someone shows signs of heatstroke
Immediate action can save livesIf someone appears confused, faints or develops severe symptoms after heat exposure:
- Move them to a cool or shaded area
- Give water if they are conscious
- Loosen tight clothing
- Use cool cloths or water on the body
- Seek urgent medical help immediately
Why traditional summer habits still matter
Many traditional Indian summer practices, from drinking chaas and aam panna to wearing light cotton clothes, are now being reinforced by health experts during heatwave conditions.Doctors say these simple habits may help the body stay cooler and better hydrated when temperatures become extreme.
As heatwaves become more frequent across India, following basic hydration, diet and lifestyle precautions could play an important role in preventing serious health complications during the summer months.
Inputs from agencies
