The human body has a unique mechanism to regulate body temperature. But when this process gets disturbed, there occurs an imbalance that might appear in the form of sunstroke. 

Sunstroke also called as heat stroke is an acute, life-threatening emergency characterized clinically by elevated body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. This condition is fatal or causes damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke predominantly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes. This most serious form of heat injury can occur if your body temperature rises to 104℉ (40℃) or higher. These issues are most common in the summer season.

Due to global warming, more heat waves will occur in previously cooler regions. Therefore, it is very important to create awareness about this burning issue. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke leaves chances for damage to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. If the primary care is neglected, the damage worsens and increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

What are the causes of sunstroke?

1. Exposure to a hot environment. 

Being in a hot environment causes a rise in core body temperature. Prolonged exposure to hot and humid weather leads to heat stroke. It affects older individuals more often and people with chronic illnesses.

2. Intense physical activity in hot weather 

Any strenuous activity in extremely hot weather causes heat stroke. Working in hot weather for a long stretch can also cause sunstroke. 

3. Wearing excess clothing 

Wearing too many clothes prevents the sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body

4. Drinking alcohol can affect the body’s ability to regulate your temperature

5. Fluid insufficiency 

Due to less intake of water, the body becomes dehydrated through sweating.

6. Sensitive skin

People with sensitive skin or any skin disease are prone to heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of sunstroke?

• High body temperature - A core body temperature more than 104℉ or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of sunstroke.
• Altered mental state or behavior. 
• Confused behavior, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all result from heatstroke.
• Profound sweating 
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Flushed skin - Your skin may turn red due to an increase in body temperature.
• Rapid breathing.
• Palpitation     
• Throbbing Headache.

Effective home Remedies for Sunstroke 

Juice of Coriander and Mint Leaves

1. Drinking the juice extracted out of coriander and mint leaves by adding a pinch of honey to it can magically bring down the body heat. 

As per Ayurveda, these herbs exhibit a cooling effect on the body. Due to its cooling properties, coriander juice can also be applied for soothing hot itchy skin. 

2. Dry seeds of coriander can also be used to boil water. The water once cooled can be consumed naturally. 

Sandalwood Paste

1. Mix the sandalwood powder with water, make a paste out of it and apply over the forehead and chest. Due to its cooling properties, it brings down the body temperature. 

2. Alternatively, massage with sandalwood oil on your forehead can soothe the irritable skin and lowers irritability due to heat. 

Indian Sarsaparilla drink 

Sarsaparilla is wonder drug which helps to reduce the heat in the body and maintaining it cool. This is widely used in Ayurveda medicines to treat skin diseases. 

The sarsaparilla syrup should be mixed with drinking water and should be consumed regularly. Gradually the increased heat inside the body will be controlled.

Tender Coconut water

Drink tender coconut water daily. 

This is a great way to refresh and revitalize the body. The water is rich in electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins which helps in rehydration from heat stress. 

Peppercorns with coconut milk

Prepare a paste of ground black peppercorns with some coconut milk. Apply this mixture on the body.  This is an effective remedy for treating sunstroke. They have the property to cool the body thereby providing relief from the condition.

Recommended Diet for Heat Stroke

To a certain extent maintain the diet can prevent major consequences of thermal stroke. 

• It is very essential to include fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices in the regular diet to avoid heat-related disturbances in the body. This helps to prevent dehydration, which is an important issue which occurs with heat illness. 
• Fruits like Oranges, watermelons, grapefruits, lemons, etc. are very helpful in this condition.

Drink plenty of water especially before going out in the sun. This helps to prevent weakness and it could replenish the level of water in the body.   

Apart from that onions, mint, cucumber, and yogurt should be positively included in the diet to prevent heat stroke.  This gives a cooling effect to the body and also improves the overall health.

Consume a protein-rich diet. Include nuts, beans, pulses, and olive oil in the daily intake.

Restricted Diet for Heat Stroke

• Avoid consumption of excess salt which might adversely affect the functioning of normal sweat production. Salt is rich in sodium, so excess consumption of sodium hampers the regular production of sweat in the body which increases the risk for heat stroke.
• Consumption of alcohol should be minimalized as it is known to increase heat in the body.