Summer is a season many people look forward to. It’s a time for beach vacations and outdoor activities. However, this season can also be challenging, especially to those working outdoors. Farmers, construction workers, vegetable vendors, salesmen, etc. face a tough time as they go about conducting their business in the scorching heat. This is because with rising temperatures and humidity levels, summer heat can bring on body aches and pain. These aches are known as heat cramps and are quite common during this season. It is important to understand why they occur and how they can be best avoided naturally so as to not disrupt daily routines.

Causes of body aches and heat cramps during summer:

Dehydration: Dehydration can cause body ache and pain by hampering the balance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that are essential for proper muscle function. When dehydration takes place, the body loses fluids and electrolytes through sweating and urination, leading to an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes help regulate muscle contractions and prevent muscle fatigue and an electrolyte imbalance causes muscle cramps, spasms, and aches, particularly in the legs.

Dehydration can also lead to a reduction in blood flow to the muscles. This can cause the muscles to become fatigued and achy. Without proper hydration, the body cannot efficiently remove waste products from the muscles, leading to inflammation and pain.

In addition to muscle aches and pains, dehydration can also cause headaches and dizziness. This is because dehydration can cause the brain to shrink slightly, leading to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This can cause headaches and in severe cases, can lead to confusion and loss of consciousness.

Humidity: Humidity can cause body aches and pain by making it difficult for the body to regulate its internal temperature. When the air is humid, sweat does not evaporate as easily from the skin, which can make it harder for the body to cool down. As a result, the body may start to overheat, causing muscle cramps and spasms.

Humidity can also cause joint pain and stiffness. This takes place due to the increased moisture in the air which causes the tissues around the joints to swell, thus leading to increased pressure on the joints. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort, particularly in those who have already existing joint issues like osteoarthritis.

In addition, high humidity levels can affect the viscosity of synovial or lubricating fluid in the joints. When humidity is high, the synovial fluid may become thinner, reducing its ability to effectively lubricate the joints. This can lead to increased friction between the joints, causing pain and stiffness.

Rigorous physical work in the heat: Physical work outdoors during summer can cause cramps and body aches due to several factors, including overuse of muscles. Professions like construction, farming, sales, etc. require people to walk and work for long hours outdoors. This can lead to heat exhaustion which causes muscles to overheat. When your body becomes overheated, your muscles may become fatigued more quickly, leading to a feeling of weakness or soreness. Additionally, heat can cause dehydration, which can further exacerbate muscle pain and aches.

Body ache and muscle cramps in summer are a combination of the above-mentioned factors. However, the issue of body ache and headaches during summers can be easily avoided by following a few tips for relief.

Some tips for relief are:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after any physical activity to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.

Stretch before and after physical activity: Stretching before and after any physical activity can help prevent muscle strains and injuries. Make sure to stretch all the major muscle groups, including your arms, legs, back, and core.

Use proper form and technique: Use proper form and technique when engaging in any physical activity, whether it’s running, swimming, or playing sports. Improper form can put extra strain on your muscles and lead to injury.

Use ice or heat therapy: If you experience muscle pain or soreness, applying ice or a cool compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide relief. Heat therapy, such as using a heating pad or warm compress, can also be beneficial for muscle pain.

Get enough rest: Make sure you are getting enough rest and allowing your body time to recover between periods of physical activity. This can help prevent muscle fatigue and injury.

Following these tips will ensure that you get relief from body ache and pain in summers. Also, you can use Zandu Ultra Power Balm for relief from summer-induced pain and body ache. It is made with a strong Ayurvedic formulation of herbs like topical pain-relieving capsaicin and gaultheria and eucalyptus that reduces pain, swelling and inflammation.

While following these tips for pain relief and using Zandu Ultra Power Balm to soothe strong pain will help, it is necessary to see your doctor if your muscle cramp or pain is persistent.