Heat exhaustion and heat stroke could cause severe consequences on health if not treated on time. So, how do we handle this?
Heat stress isn’t cool.
With everything else going on in the world, it’s easy to forget about the fact that our planet is heating up at an alarming rate. However, with unprecedented heat waves sweeping across many parts of the world, climate change has forced its way back into the news cycle.
Increased wildfires, extreme temperatures, and heatwaves lead not only to droughts and environmental catastrophes but can have very human consequences too. Particularly for people working in jobs that require them to be outdoors, it’s becoming even more important to have an awareness of how your body reacts to hot weather.
As the warmer months get hotter still, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both very real conditions to keep in mind. But, with some changes in food and lifestyle habits, it’s possible to alleviate the effects of and prevent the onset of heat-related illnesses.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) advises the public to be cautious about severe weather changes and the potential consequences on health. At the same time, it also reassures that heat-related illness are preventable.
During the summer months, we tend to spend a lot more time outdoors, exposed to the sun. Such exposure to hot weather increases body temperature, leading to increased sweating (the natural counter-response by the body to cool down). As a result, the body reduces its temperature to maintain it at 98.6 F (37℃).
However, in extreme temperatures, the body’s ability to keep itself cool is faced with a considerable challenge and may find itself in an imbalance.
Symptoms of this may include:
- dehydration
- profuse sweating
- dizziness
- fatigue
- lightheadedness
- cramps
- headaches
- confusion
- eye irritations
- Some people might experience digestion problems, diarrhea, and hypotension.
Although older people are most at risk of heat-related illnesses, even children and young people can be susceptible to heatstroke. Similarly, sports professionals and those with particularly active lifestyles are also more likely to experience any of the above symptoms.
So is all this preventable and treatable? Let’s find out.
Top # 4 heat-related illnesses.
- Heat exhaustion – This occurs when the body loses excess water and salt due to abnormal sweating from exposure to heat. It struggles to maintain its core temperature or cool down.
- Heat rash – Humid weather causes skin irritations, rashes, and prickly heat due to excessive sweating.
- Heatstroke -A more severe form of heat exhaustion that could be life-threatening if not treated on time. Severe dehydration increases the risk of heat exhaustion.
- Heat cramps – People involved in sports activities, or outdoor professions, could develop muscle cramps or spasms in the legs, thighs, or abdomen when the body’s temperature drastically increases.
Can CBD help with heat exhaustion? Here’s what our customers say.
CBD users all over the world have told us of the multitude of health benefits they’ve experienced by incorporating CBD into their lifestyle.
We’ve asked them to share their personal stories, feedback, and ideas with us, about the different ways they have incorporated CBD into their daily routines.
Some simple life hacks we’ve found for tackling heat exhaustion include:
#1. Customers have told us that taking 1ml of CBD Mani Drops with Melatonin 15 to 30 minutes before going to bed helps them to calm down and get prepared for a relaxed night’s sleep. It’s a broad-spectrum hemp extract with no THC, so it blends nicely with melatonin and monk fruits to provide the best results.
A study on the health and food application of monk fruits, reports that their antioxidative properties are capable of suppressing oxidative stress. Moreover, in the traditional applications, monk fruits are a handy household remedy for sunstroke and dire thirst.
#2. Heat strokes are either classical or exertional. Classical heatstroke occurs when exposed to high temperatures and humid weather. On the other hand, exertional heat strokes mostly affect people who exercise and exert themselves physically. Exercising in hot weather can increase the risk of external heat stroke.
At Nordic, we have a number of customers who fall into this category. Whether they’re CrossFit champions, professional footballers, hobby runners, or gym-goers, many of these customers are fans of our Thor CBD relief gel. A topical CBD product, applying it two or three times a day after exercise can help the body to recover and stay cool as it recovers.
The CBD in Thor combines with Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Beta-caryophyllene, natural endocannabinoids in the body.
A 2016 study establishes that Beta-caryophyllene was one of the first cannabis-derived compounds other than THC, CBD, and CBN. It has been shown to bind directly to the endocannabinoid receptors CB2, which help regulate inflammation and pain.
#3. Another popular pick with our customers is Freyja, our skin-calming CBD cream. Skin rashes from heat exposure may be a temporary episode for some people, but, for those who naturally have dry and sensitive skin, a simple rash could be a nightmare when exacerbated by heat.
Freyja contains a number of natural ingredients that have a wide range of therapeutic properties for the skin. Applying the cream topically 2-3 times a day on affected areas can help to calm dry and irritated skin.
#4. Above all, staying hydrated and healthy during summers is the easiest way to reduce the likelihood of heatstroke setting in. Drink plenty of liquids and include vegetables that contain a lot of water, like cucumber, lettuce, tomato, zucchini, spinach, radish, ash gourd (ash pumpkin), etc.
Including CBD in drinks and food can be even more beneficial when it comes to maintaining body balance during the hotter months – we recommend CBD Oils or crystals.
To find out more about how to incorporate CBD into your diet during the warmer months, check out our healthy summer recipes.
The wrap up
- Hydrate the body by taking on sufficient water and fluids, especially when exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, and share this blog post with your friends.
- Act by seeking immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of heatstroke or heat-related illnesses.
- Take a break regularly if you are exposed to heat/ sun for a long time, stay under the shade, and use a cotton/ straw mat while sitting on the ground.