How do you keep hydrated and fresh in these scorching summer months? The trick is to stick to the good ol’ nimbu or naariyal paani.
With the temperature already soaring to 44 degree Celsius, people are turning to time-honoured nimbu paani, nariyaal pani and other natural drinks to keep themselves hydrated.
Rahul Anand, a professional working in Cyber City Park, says, “The city has turned into a furnace! Thankfully, we have our lemon-soda guy just below the office to see us through this heat. We, seven of us, make it a point to come daily and enjoy a glass of lemon-soda at least once a day. And we usually come down during lunch hours, when it's the hottest.”
The man of the moment, Arpit Kumar (read the "lemon-soda guy"), is only too happy to be able to serve more and more glasses. As effervescent as the soda he serves, Kumar says beaming ear to ear, “I feel really happy when people tell me that I make their day by serving them this refreshing drink. Even 15 days back, I was selling 40-50 glasses per day. That figure has now shot up to 200 glasses a day! My earnings have increased three times now.”
Same is the story for other juice vendors.
Yusuf Khan, who sells coconut water on a footpath close to Huda City Centre Metro station, has been selling more than 100 coconuts a day. He adds, “Families often come in the early mornings and late evenings to have coconut water. Even the beggars at the traffic light near Signature Tower come to me for quick refreshment. Sometimes, I let them have it for free.”
Dr NK Singh from Paras Hospital in Gurgaon says, “People must avoid heavy physical exercises during these months and make sure to drink at least 5 to 6 litres of water daily. Also, plain water is not enough, as the body loses lots of salts through sweat. Salted juices, fresh-fruit juice from watermelon, sugarcane and coconut water is highly recommended in summer.”
He further adds, “Fluid intake helps prevent the headaches and sluggishness caused by dehydration. Avoid deep fried and oily foods. To survive you must keep yourself hydrated.”
Even on the road, volunteers are seen offering sweet water to commuters.
RWAs of Park View Residency, Princeton Floors and Florence Residency have even allowed juice vendors inside the condominiums.
SC Kumar, president of Park View Residency, said, “Since residents often don’t feel like going out in this weather, we have allowed a juice vendor inside the society.”
A quick guide to summer protection:
*Avoid stepping out in the sun between noon and 3pm.
*Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going out in the sun — do so even on cloudy days.
*Take 5 to 6 litres of fluid every day.
* Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
* Have fruits with high water content, such as watermelon and pineapple.
* If you exercise, take a sip of lemon-water-sugar-salt mix every 15 minutes.
