Hyderabadis turn to home remedies to battle rising heat

As temperatures in Hyderabad approach 40°C, the National Institute of Nutrition advises residents to rely on traditional drinks like buttermilk, lemon water and tender coconut water to stay hydrated, warning that sugary beverages may worsen dehydration during intense summer heat.

Hyderabad: As mercury begins its inevitable climb towards 40 degree Celsius, people in Hyderabad have started adapting to the realities of weather. The buzzword now is ‘Hydration and Regulation’ of body temperature. While the shelves of malls are flooded with premium, high-priced ‘electrolyte waters,’ Hyderabadis must also realise that the potent and time-tested solutions are available right in their homes.

In its nutrition guidelines, Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has recommended prioritizing local beverages like buttermilk and tender coconut water over carbonated drinks, which can actually increase thirst due to high sugar content.

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Since hydration is a delicate balance of fluid volume and essential electrolytes, in its dietary guidelines, the researchers from NIN emphasized that water alone is often insufficient during a heatwave because it lacks the minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are needed for cellular function.

In its guidelines, NIN says that with the help of traditional, salt-based or natural sugar alternatives, people can maintain a stable internal temperature and avoid the metabolic stress caused by synthetic additives and caffeine.

There are several home remedies that are lighter on the pocket and are time-tested in keeping people hydrated.

Majiga/Chaas:

This probiotic powerhouse is always underrated and overlooked when it comes to hydration. Unlike drinking water, the buttermilk remains in the body for a longer duration. When cumin (jeera) and black salt are added, the drink also replenishes sodium, lost in the heat.

Nimbu paani/ Sabja:

Old timers in Hyderabad swear by the combination of Nimbu Paani and Sabja (Basil seeds) that create a slow-release hydration system.The Basil seeds are a biological marvel and are quintessential during summer to keep the body cool and hydrated. Once soaked and taken, they also go a long way in helping the body to retain water.

Barley Water:

Barley jaava is often overlooked but it is a natural diuretic, which enables the body to get rid of excess salt. Barley water is an ideal defense against heat-related urinary tract issues and beats dry spells of summer and flush out toxins.
Onion in the pocket:
Perhaps raw onion could be the most iconic Telangana heat-hack. There are old timers who can swear by the efficacy of this solution. There is science that backs-up the claims of onion’s effectiveness. Raw onions have the ability to regulate the body’s response to heat, during mild heat exhaustion. Onions contain Quercetin, which research suggests can regulate body heat.

Fruits:

Beyond the liquid remedies, the Hyderabadi summer is known for fruits like watermelon, which is 92 percent water), Muskmelon (Kharbuja), which not only quench thirst but also keep the body cool. Some of the other fruits for summer include Ice Apple and Bael (Wood Apple), the native fruits which are natural coolants that specifically target gut heat.