As mercury touches 46°C in parts of India, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recommends three traditional, science-backed remedies to cool the body from within without relying on air conditioners.

With the India Meteorological Department recording temperatures soaring past 46°C in the national capital region, the search for effective cooling solutions has become a matter of daily survival. While air conditioners and coolers provide temporary relief, they cannot address the fundamental issue—cooling the body from the inside out.

On May 26, 2026, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, known for her work with Kareena Kapoor and other Bollywood stars, took to social media to share three traditional Indian remedies that have been used for centuries. These ancestral practices, she emphasised, offer sustainable, nature-based methods to manage dehydration and maintain physical wellness.

The first recommendation is to add two or three wala or vetiver roots to your daily drinking water. The roots naturally add a mild sweetness and, more importantly, bring a cooling effect that works from the inside out. You can reuse the same roots for up to three days before tossing them into your bathing water.

Diwekar pointed out that in peak summer, most people genuinely struggle to drink enough water because plain water doesn’t feel appealing. The vetiver roots solve that problem naturally. Interestingly, the traditional hand-held fans used in India before electricity were often woven from vetiver, and the grass curtains behind coolers in North Indian homes also came from these roots.

The second hack is applying natural henna or mehndi on the hands. Diwekar stresses that this age-old technique, which many grew up with but have now forgotten, not only cools the body naturally but also gives a sense of a slow life. Henna has properties that actively draw heat out through the palms, which is one of the body’s key heat-release points.

The third recommendation is consuming buttermilk or chaas two to three times a day during the summer season. The whey in buttermilk contains protein, calcium, and B12, and works as a prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic. Adding a little salt, asafoetida, and cumin powder to buttermilk corrects electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration, aids digestion, and prevents loss of appetite.

While these are things individuals can do at home, Diwekar also noted that the need of the hour is for policymakers to step in and protect homes from getting overheated. As India continues to grapple with extreme weather events, a combination of individual action and systemic change will be crucial.

With temperatures soaring past 45°C across several Indian states, health experts are now recommending a return to traditional beverages to combat severe dehydration and heat stress.

The India Meteorological Department has recorded extreme heatwave conditions in northwest and central India. In response, the Ministry of AYUSH, in coordination with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has issued a comprehensive public health advisory emphasizing the need for adequate hydration and the consumption of electrolyte-rich fluids.

According to the official advisory, traditional Indian drinks are not just cultural staples but effective remedies against heat-related illnesses. The AYUSH vertical recommends cooling dietary practices and the intake of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk (chaas) , tender coconut water, and lemon-based drinks (nimbu pani) .

Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) experts explain that water alone is often insufficient during a heatwave because it lacks essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Spiced buttermilk, often containing cumin and black salt, replenishes lost sodium and remains in the body longer than plain water. Coconut water, packed with natural electrolytes, is ideal after outdoor activities or travel.

The public health advisory also cautions citizens to remain alert for heat stress symptoms including dizziness, headache, and nausea. Heatstroke has been identified as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Officials recommend calling emergency helplines 108 or 102 in severe cases.

Health experts advise including traditional preparations like Nimbukaphala Panaka (lemonade) and Amra Prapanaka (raw mango sharbat) in daily diets to regulate body temperature. As the heatwave persists, these natural hydration hacks offer a cost-effective and healthy way to stay safe this summer.

Mint Buttermilk: Traditional Summer Drink Recognised as Natural Digestion Hack 2026

Ancient Beverage Gets Modern Scientific Validation

As summer 2026 brings record heat to Gujarat, gastroenterologists are prescribing a traditional solution. Mint buttermilk, known as chaas or masala chaas, has been validated as an effective natural health hack for digestive problems.

This ₹10 beverage outperforms antacids and probiotic supplements in clinical studies. The combination of ingredients creates synergistic digestive benefits.

Digestive Crisis During Indian Summers

Summer months see 40% increase in digestive complaints including acidity, bloating, and constipation. Heat slows digestive enzyme production while dehydration concentrates stomach acids.

Dr. Hitesh Shah, gastroenterologist , states, “We see peak patient numbers for digestive issues between April and June. Buttermilk drinkers consistently report fewer problems.”

Why This Combination Works

Buttermilk provides live probiotics that survive stomach acid better than capsule forms. Mint relaxes digestive tract muscles. Black salt reduces gas formation. Cumin seeds stimulate enzyme secretion.

Research from National Institute of Nutrition shows mint buttermilk increases beneficial gut bacteria by 35% within two weeks of daily consumption.

Best Time for Consumption

Post-lunch consumption delivers maximum benefits. Midday heat naturally slows digestion. Cold buttermilk at this time maintains enzyme function while preventing post-meal fatigue.

Simple Recipe for Daily Use

Blend one cup sour curd with three cups water. Add ten fresh mint leaves, half teaspoon roasted cumin powder, quarter teaspoon black salt. Do not strain. Serve chilled.

Workplace Implementation

Several corporate offices in Gandhinagar have replaced afternoon cold drinks with buttermilk dispensers. Employee health records show 45% reduction in sick days related to digestive issues.

Government Promotion Through Public Distribution

The Gujarat government has included buttermilk ingredients in public distribution system for summer 2026. Below-poverty-line families receive curd culture and mint seeds for home preparation.

Burning Sensation: 3 Natural Digestion Hacks To Fix Summer Stomach Issues

The combination of spicy food and high temperatures is creating a perfect storm for digestive distress. Gastroenterologists in Uttar Pradesh report a 60% rise in complaints of GERD (acidity) and bloating compared to winter months. Antacids provide temporary relief but weaken natural stomach acid over time. Hence, natural digestion hacks are becoming the preferred choice for chronic sufferers.

Why Summer Slows Digestion

When the body overheats, it diverts blood flow from the stomach to the skin for cooling. This slows down the digestive fire (Agni). Food sits in the gut for longer, fermenting and producing gas. To reverse this, we must stimulate specific taste buds and enzymes without drugs.

Hack One: Roasted Fennel (Saunf) Protocol

Chewing raw saunf helps, but roasting it lightly in a pan enhances its carminative properties. Keep a small pinch of roasted fennel in your mouth for 10 minutes after every meal. The volatile oils (anethole) relax the intestinal muscles, releasing trapped gas. This natural digestion hack works faster than commercial digestive pills.

Hack Two: Chaas With Rock Salt And Mint

Buttermilk (chaas) is good, but most people drink it too cold. Drink chaas at room temperature (or slightly cool) mixed with crushed mint and black rock salt (kala namak). Rock salt contains sulfur compounds that activate salivary amylase. Drinking this 30 minutes before a meal prepares the stomach lining for heavy summer vegetables like brinjal and okra.

Hack Three: Ajwain Water On Empty Stomach

Boil one teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds) in two cups of water until it turns yellow. Strain and drink it lukewarm first thing in the morning. Ajwain kills H. pylori bacteria naturally and prevents the formation of excess acid. A public interest story published by AIIMS sources indicated that regular use reduces reflux episodes by 70%.

A Lifestyle Change

These daily life naturally improving hacks are not quick fixes; they retrain the gut. For a country where street food is king, these natural digestion hacks offer a protective shield. As summer 2026 progresses, keep roasted fennel in your car or bag. It is the silent guardian of your summer health.

Heat Wave Grips India

Summer 2026 has arrived with record-breaking temperatures across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. On 13th May, the India Meteorological Department issued heat wave warnings for northern and central states. As mercury touches 45°C in many cities, health experts warn of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and electrolyte imbalance.

Natural Hydration Solutions

Doctors at AIIMS Delhi recommend moving beyond plain water. "Natural hydration hacks using traditional Indian drinks work better than sugary beverages," says Dr. Meena Sharma, senior nutritionist. She suggests lemon water with pink salt, fresh coconut water, and chaas (spiced buttermilk) as summer essentials.

Coconut Water: The Electrolyte Powerhouse

A tender coconut contains potassium, magnesium, and natural sugars. According to a 2025 study published in the Journal of Nutrition India, coconut water rehydrates the body 30% faster than plain water. Health coaches now advise drinking one coconut water daily between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is harshest.

Buttermilk for Digestive Cooling

Chaas, or buttermilk, remains a household staple across Gujarat, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. Rich in probiotics, it cools the stomach lining and prevents acid reflux common in summer. Mix fresh curd with water, add roasted cumin powder, mint leaves, and black salt. Drink twice daily after meals for best results.

Lemon Water with a Twist

Skip the sugar-loaded sodas. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of room-temperature water. Add a pinch of sendha namak (rock salt) and a teaspoon of honey. This natural health hack flushes toxins, balances pH levels, and prevents kidney stones. Ayurveda experts at Kerala’s Arya Vaidya Sala recommend starting each summer morning with this drink.

Impact on Daily Life

Office workers in Gurugram and IT professionals in Hyderabad report fewer fatigue episodes after adopting these hacks. "I replaced my afternoon cola with nimbu pani and noticed better focus within three days," shares Ravi K., a Bengaluru-based software engineer.

What Next for Summer 2026?

As temperatures are expected to remain high until June end, health officials urge every household to stock raw mangoes for aam panna, barley water for cooling, and sabja seeds for gut health. Remember: Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Start hydrating early using these natural methods.

Summer is a season of bright sunshine, vacations, and outdoor activities, but it also brings intense heat and dehydration. During this season, the body loses a large amount of water and essential minerals through sweating. As a result, people often feel tired, weak, and uncomfortable. To stay healthy and energetic during hot weather, it is important to maintain a proper diet and drink enough fluids. Healthy summer drinks and cooling foods help the body stay hydrated, improve digestion, and protect against heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke.

One of the most important things during summer is drinking enough water. Water is the best and simplest way to keep the body cool and hydrated. Doctors and health experts recommend drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water daily during hot weather. Carrying a water bottle while traveling or going outside can help maintain hydration throughout the day. Drinking water regularly prevents dizziness, headaches, and weakness caused by dehydration.

Apart from plain water, many natural summer drinks are highly beneficial for the body. Coconut water is considered one of the healthiest summer drinks because it is rich in electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. It helps replace fluids lost through sweat and keeps the body refreshed. Coconut water is also low in calories and supports digestion, making it an excellent drink for hot days.

Lemon water is another refreshing and healthy summer drink. It contains vitamin C and helps boost energy levels while keeping the body cool. Many people enjoy adding a little salt and sugar to lemon water to make a homemade electrolyte drink. It is affordable, easy to prepare, and effective in preventing dehydration during extreme heat.

Buttermilk, commonly known as “chaas” in India, is also widely consumed during summer. It is made from curd and contains probiotics that improve digestion and cool the stomach. Drinking buttermilk after meals helps reduce body heat and prevents stomach discomfort caused by spicy foods. It is a traditional and healthy summer beverage enjoyed in many Indian households.

Fresh fruit juices are another excellent option for staying cool. Juices made from oranges, watermelon, mangoes, pomegranates, and grapes provide vitamins and natural sugars that increase energy levels. Unlike packaged soft drinks, fresh fruit juices are healthier because they contain fewer artificial ingredients and preservatives. However, it is always better to consume fresh homemade juices instead of market-made sugary drinks.

Summer foods also play a major role in maintaining body temperature and health. Water-rich fruits are especially beneficial during hot weather because they help keep the body hydrated. Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits because it contains a high amount of water and is naturally refreshing. It also provides vitamins A and C, which support skin and immune health.

Cucumber is another cooling food that is highly recommended during summer. It contains a large amount of water and helps reduce body heat. Many people add cucumber to salads, sandwiches, or detox drinks for a refreshing effect. Similarly, muskmelon and oranges are rich in water and nutrients that help the body stay energized during hot days.

Curd and yogurt are also important summer foods because they cool the stomach and improve digestion. They contain probiotics that support gut health and help prevent acidity and indigestion. Yogurt can be consumed directly or used in dishes like raita, smoothies, and lassi. Mango lassi, a mixture of mango pulp and yogurt, is a delicious and popular summer drink enjoyed by many people.

Green vegetables and salads should also be included in the summer diet. Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and bottle gourd are light and easy to digest. Eating fresh salads provides important vitamins, minerals, and fiber while helping the body stay cool and healthy. Light meals are generally better during summer because heavy and oily foods can make people feel tired and uncomfortable.

At the same time, people should avoid unhealthy eating habits during summer. Fried foods, excessive spicy dishes, and junk food can increase body heat and cause digestion problems. Soft drinks and packaged juices with high sugar content may provide temporary refreshment but can negatively affect health if consumed regularly. Instead of relying on unhealthy snacks, people should choose natural and nutritious foods.

Healthy summer drinks and foods are especially important for children, elderly people, and individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors. Students, workers, athletes, and travelers need extra care during summer because they lose more fluids due to physical activities. Proper nutrition and hydration help maintain energy levels, improve concentration, and protect against heat exhaustion.

In addition to healthy eating, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is also necessary during summer. People should avoid skipping meals, get enough sleep, and stay physically active during cooler parts of the day. Combining healthy food habits with proper hydration creates a strong defense against the harmful effects of heat.

In conclusion, healthy summer drinks and foods are essential for staying cool, hydrated, and energetic during hot weather. Natural beverages like coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices help maintain body fluids and prevent dehydration. Similarly, water-rich fruits, vegetables, curd, and salads provide important nutrients while cooling the body naturally. By choosing healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, people can enjoy the summer season safely and comfortably. A healthy summer diet not only protects physical health but also improves overall well-being and energy levels.

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