THE HEAT WAVES AND HUMAN HEALTH

Introduction:

The sun gives rhythm to our biological cycles and is involved in our mental balance, sleep and mood.

Sunshine makes it possible to synthesize, in the skin, vitamin D essential for many necessary functions of the body, including the preservation of bone capital and our immunity.

Humans and societies are already suffering the first consequences of climate change. Temperatures will rise further in the 21st century, climate scientists say, and prolonged “deadly” heat waves could increase.

Are citizens ready to adapt?

But the solar rays used without precaution, without discernment, become aggressive of the skin and cause its accelerated aging and even pathological like melanoma.

Solar aggression causes a mechanism for the production of free radicals (molecules that damage our cellular constituents).

To prevent solar UVA – UVB rays from producing their aggression, the skin opposes a natural screen: tanning through a molecule called melanin which acts as a protective molecular umbrella.

The right food choices and certain dietary supplements can provide the protection our bodies need to cope with skin dehydration.

The risks of heat stroke and overexposure to the sun:

• aging of the skin
• skin cancer
• immuno-depression (decrease in the body’s ability to fight the risks of infection)
• eye damage

Advice for everyone:

• Wear flexible clothes
  • avoid tight clothing and synthetic fibers. Prefer cotton (if possible organic, that is to say healthy, free from allergens and toxic substances) or better yet, choose linen.
• hydrate regularly (+++)
  • drink water regularly throughout the day
  • do not drink distillation alcohol and limit fermentation drinks
• wet your body (at least face and forearms) several times a day (+++)
• bring a fogger for car trips
• avoid make-up with non-certified organic cosmetic products
• do not practice repeated exfoliation without precaution
• avoid alcohol-based hygiene products, which dry out the skin

In the event of a heat wave, there are warning signs that must be evaluated:

• cramps, headaches, unusual fatigue
• fever above 38 ° C, dizziness, nausea

People’s exposure to the sun depends on “phototypes”

• white skin, blonde hair, red hair. Blue or green eyes, freckles = little tan
• fair skin, brown hair, light eyes = slow tan
• medium skin tone, brown to brown hair, brown eyes = gradual tan
• dark skin tone, brown / black hair and eyes = beautiful tan
• dark brown skin, black hair and eyes = intense tan
• black skin, very exceptional sunburn.

Note: phototypes 1 and 2 are most at risk for melanoma.

We are therefore not equal in the face of sunlight and photosensitization is very different from one person to another. An appointment is usual with the dentist for a scaling or a visit to the gynecologist for a smear. It is relevant to think of a skin checkup at the dermatologist to examine moles!

Nourish the skin, from the inside out

with products based on omega 3 and omega 6 such as borage oil, evening primrose.

Nourish the skin from the outside:

• carrot oil for a healthy glow and awakening dull complexions.
• argan oil traditionally used for centuries by Berber women for skin and hair
• avocado oil also renowned as restorative of damage caused by aggressive sun
• rosehip oil from Chile rich in vit. Has and antioxidants and able to reduce pigment spots due to reckless sun exposure

To soothe sun burns

• organic Aloe vera gel is a soothing, moisturizer and anti-inflammatory agent for the skin. Apply a thick layer several times a day.
• John’s Wort oil. Soak a compress that you put on the burn. St. John’s Wort is photosensitive: the “burnt” area is not exposed to the sun after application.
• the H. E. lavender aspic + sweet almond oil to apply to the affected area. Reapply every 15 minutes when the inflammation is strong until subsiding.
• thin slices of potato (constitute a refreshing poultice and a natural antiseptic on burnt skin): hold with a bandage for 2 hours and renew.
• medical honey to promote the healing process (do not use in people allergic to bee products).
• the Bach Flower remedy called “Crab Apple” is recommended for skin and healing problems.
• thin slices of cucumber used in application such as sliced ​​potatoes
• with homeopathic remedies:
  • Belladona 9CH if the sunburn is red and painful
  • Cantharis 9CH if the sunburn is accompanied by blisters or the skin tears off
• baking soda to soothe the “sunburn on the skin”. Soak compresses with baking soda (1 tablespoon per ½ liter of water and apply to the affected area. Repeat about every 15 minutes.

Other products, ready to use:

• Calendula cream from Lehning laboratory
• Cicaderma ointment from Boiron laboratory

Heatwave and kidney stones

The intense summer heat, increased sweating and insufficient fluids ingested are considered to be a risk of increased kidney stone formation.

Maintaining ideal body hydration obviously prevents the formation of “kidney stones” (kidney stones).

Looking at the color of urine is a simple way to tell if the body is hydrated enough or if the body is low on fluids.

In regions exposed to dry / hot climates, it seems advisable to consume a minimum of 2 liters of water per day and to have balanced meals, rich in fresh vegetables and fruits and to avoid fried foods and meats (especially red ) to oppose the formation of kidney stones.

Herbal teas to choose from in the event of a heat wave:

Hot herbal teas can be used to hydrate and stay cool, from the inside out!

Moist heat (the combination of temperature and humidity) makes survival more difficult.

Real health problems appear when the high humid heat exceeds the cooling capacities of the human body.

A mixture of hydrating herbal teas that seems interesting:

Quackgrass (root), hibiscus (calyx), lime (inflorescences), strawberry (leaf), red vine (leaf), blackcurrant (leaf).

Such a herbal tea can provide nutrients that prevent deficiencies due to excessive elimination through excessive sweating.

Important in the event of a heat wave

Check in with loved ones, especially those who are losing their autonomy or living alone.