Bhopal, Mar 29: Summer is about to set in. Even in the end of March, people are facing some torrid moments. Worse is in store for them in the coming three to four months when city experiences extreme hot days. Many people fall ill during the heat wave. However, one can save himself from falling ill by exercising some precautions. As far as advice of dietician goes, one should make simple food as his staple food during the summer and must take lots of fruits and juices.

Normally, in summer everyone likes to drink juices of orange, sugarcane, pineapple and pomegranate. But during these hot summer days youths and children prefer orange juice very much. It protects from scorching heat. Lemon water, Pana of Mangoes, Jal Zeera, Sugarcane juice are also there.

Experts say that orange juice is beneficial in summer, because maintains level of water which comes out of body due to excessive sweating.

Bhopal Today Team talked to dieticians and people on how to stay fit and fine during summer.

Priyesh Harora, a student said 'in summer I like to take all juices but orange juice is different. I like to make and drink juice at my home rather than going outside. However, the favourite drink of Neha Khare, pursuing B Ed, is Nariyal Pani. She says, 'Though it is very popular in Southern India but it is coming to terms even in Hindi belt. I prefer this to cola because of health reasons. It is very beneficial in summers.'

Maintain good digestion

Sunny Tilwani of A to Z Jewellers, New Market, says that fruits, fruit-salad and juices keep the digestion fit. Simple, home-made food should be taken and one should exercise precaution in drinking water. Effort should be undertaken to drink more water at home since it is hygienic.

Demand of juices goes up

Devendra Mishra of Ghamandi Lassi Shop, MP Nagar, Zone-1 says, 'As soon as summer sets in, our shop becomes crowded with customers who come asking for juices. These days people have become health-conscious. They know that juices are best for replenishing the mineral salts which are emanated from out body due to sweating

Bhavana says that she welcomes the summer always by drinking juices. These are good for health apart from being tasty. I like juices of sweet lime and pomegranate most.

Says Shweta, 'Neutral fruits are must for our health and fitness during summer. I add spices to fruits which increases their taste.

* Take water every half an hour as quantity of mineral salts comes down in summer.

* Food made of curd should be taken while moving out of the house since it save one from heat stroke.

* Base you diet on light food items like rice, Chapati, pulses, cucumber and salad.

* Juices of pineapple and sweet line are good sources of vitamin 'C'. Take these juices regularly.

Whether in house or office, keep taking water at regular intervals. Purchase and use only fresh fruits.

--Dietician and beautician Dr Amita Singh, National Hospital, Bhopal.