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As the temperature rises, hypertension patients everywhere start worrying too. With increased sweating and humidity, most people tend to get dehydrated and lose essentials salts like Potassium and sodium. The hot weather can also lower blood pressure, which can be problematic in some patients.
But it is possible for hypertension patient to keep themselves healthy during summer. All they have to do is keep the following health tips in mind:
1. Hydrate Over Everything Else To Keep Your Hypertension In Check
During summers, the body starts to sweat, in order to deal with the rising temperature. But this can lead to dehydration, which in extreme cases can lead to low blood pressure. Especially in patients who consume diuretic medicines, the summer season can cause this low blood pressure. Consuming caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee can also induce the same response, as they are also diuretic in nature. This low blood pressure may eventually lead to severe complications.
The simple step to prevent all these problems is to ensure that you drink 8-10 glasses on a daily basis. If you’re drinking coffee or tea, moderate the amount to 1-2 cups of tea, and just 1 cup of coffee in a day.
2. Work Out Through The Summer, But Always Later In The Day
No matter what the season is, it is important to move your body and get some exercise every day. But here’s the catch – during summertime, it’s better to reserve your evenings for working out. With the increased humidity and heat, it is important to stay out of the sun at its peak hours. You could work out after 4 pm so that the weather is nicer and your body doesn’t get too affected.
3. Wear Breathable Clothes During Summer, Especially If You Have Hypertension
If you are bothered with what you put into your body, you should also be equally concerned with the clothes you wear too. During summers, it’s important for people to wear clothes made from breathable fabrics. Cotton is the best option, as it will ensure sufficient air passage and wick away any sweat. Wearing the right footwear that keeps your feet dry, wearing hats when heading out, and wearing sunscreen can all go a long way in physically protecting your body from the summer heat.
4. Eat More Fibrous Food To Better Manage Your Hypertension
We know the temptation to indulge might be heavy during the summer. But it is important to make sure that your diet is not disrupted with too many cold drinks, icecreams or other processed foods. Especially for hypertension patients, fast food can have excess sodium in them, which can increase blood pressure. During the summer months, it’s best to eat whole foods that are rich in fibre. Easy to digest ingredients like leafy greens are also some great options. Going for lighter protein sources like chicken, or even vegetarian proteins can help improve your blood pressure levels.
5. Control Your Vices, Especially During Summer Season
Habits like smoking and drinking alcohol can have negative effects on the body, any time of the year. But especially during summer, they can dehydrate the body, and really disrupt the cardiovascular processes. Smoking, for example, reduces the antioxidant substances that the body needs, which can lead to the hardening of the vessels. Alcohol is also an extremely dehydrating substance and can impact your overall health if consumed too much.
A Word on Staying in Touch With Your Doctor
No matter what the weather throws at you, the best way to ensure your continued health is to stay continuously in touch with your doctor. You should also get into the habit of constant monitoring, to keep an eye on your blood pressure levels. This can help you figure out if there is any day to day changes or any changes in reaction to summer weather.
With the help of digital health assistants like Phable, your health can be closely monitored, even during the heights of summer.
Phable is an innovative lifestyle disease management app simplifying life for patients & doctors through video consultations and remote healthcare.
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