Intense heat can cause heatstroke, which is a condition that is caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Your body can become quite serious and will need attention if its temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius. Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. The body's temperature rises so fast that the sweating mechanism fails (the natural phenomenon to cool the body down), and the body is then unable to cool itself down.

How to prevent heatstroke?

To avoid your body reaching such a situation, there are a few things you can do to avoid heatstroke:

• Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated. Experts have asked people to have summer drinks like coconut water, mint water, lemon water, fresh fruit juices and buttermilk.
• Save your skin from severe sunburns by generously applying broad-spectrum sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
• Wear light, loose, cotton clothing to remain cool and to cover your head from direct sunlight.
• Use an umbrella when out in the sun and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.
• Have fresh fruits and vegetable juices with your meals and consume a plant-based diet.
• Keep the windows and curtains of your house closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in.

Source: Hindustan Times