Summer is almost here and it is going to get hot, hot, hot! Are you prepared? Here’s how to get ready for a smooth sail, trouble free summer.
Whether you are staying put or travelling abroad, summer is summer, and wherever it is, sunny, hot, you need to keep your fluid intake topped up. Allowing yourself to get dehydrated can cause many problems including dizziness, feeling faint and can even contribute to kidney infections.
Carry a bottle of water with you at all times. If you are not so keen on plain water, flavour it with slices of orange or lemon or whatever fruit you like. Try having tea; hot tea, iced tea, teas of different flavours, your choice, but sugar free and with plain water. If you like sweet, then use a natural sweetening alternative like fructose, honey or stevia. You can let it cool down and pop it in a container to go. It is just as good for rehydration as plain water, but has further health benefits.
Tea replaces fluid and contains antioxidants. It is also known to aid digestion and help in keeping a regular system. If you have ordinary tea that contains caffeine, it would have to be an extremely strong brew for it to have the effect of dehydrating like that of coffee. We are advised to drink one and a half to two litres of fluid, including tea, so bottle up and off you go.
We all know about sun protection, but how many of us actually remember or do anything about it when going out in the sun? Whether you are one of those people or not, protect yourself from the inside at least by eating Betacarotene-rich foods. Boost the effects of sun creams by supporting the body’s production of melanin, which darkens the skin in response to sunlight. So those that spend time in the sun should eat at least two large portions of carrots, beetroot and red peppers on a daily basis for three months prior to sun exposure. Remember this is only extra protection; do not ditch the hat and sunscreen!
Ten minutes of sunshine a day is sufficient with getting our required vitamin D dose. However, if you need to be out in the sun longer, it has been said that eating a bowl of raspberries can wipe up those free radicals caused by exposing yourself to UV radiation. Raspberries are full of antioxidants such as vitamin C and pelagic acid which has anti-cancer properties.
Don’t squint in the sunlight. Squinting will not only help aid towards wrinkles but it can also damage your eyesight. If you think you cannot wear sunglasses because you wear reading glasses, remember that prescription sunglasses are available so, for the summer, have your reading glasses at the ready that are also sun ready. Make sure they are of good quality protection and to the correct safety standards. Those from unknown sources are not always up to standard. Make sure CE marks on glasses are genuine.
Stay moisturised. Moisturise every day, and if you have been in out in the sun, use either a moisturiser or after sun that contains calamine lotion.
If you’ve overexposed your body to the sun and do not have calamine lotion to hand, soak the leaves (not the flowers) of some chickweed in boiling water, making an infusion. Use this on any itchy areas by just dabbing gently to reduce the sensitive area. Chickweed grows abundantly in many gardens and woodlands.
Wear breathable loose clothing that the body will be comfortable in. You can always layer up. Light weight cotton is great for breathing through. Wear sandals as much as possible to avoid foot infections from too much heat and moist conditions.
Have a great summer!
Love and Sparkles
Samsara x
