Friday, May 8, 2009

What Vitamin Can Help Prevent Heat Stroke

Heat stroke often occurs during or following strenuous exercise or heavy work in hot environments, especially when a person has inadequate fluid intake. The elderly, the young, the overweight and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are among those with the highest risk of heatstroke.


Symptoms


The main and most pronounced sign of heat stroke is an elevated body temperature. Other symptoms include rapid heartbeat, inability to sweat, high blood pressure, nausea, dizziness, confusion and fainting.


Actions to Take


If heat stroke is suspected call 911. Move the person out of the sun and into the shade or cool area. Try to cool the person down and have him drink cool water or other non-caffeinated beverages.


Prevention/Solution


One of the most effective ways to prevent heat stroke is to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of caffeine-free beverages and do not rely on thirst as a guide. Stay indoors during extreme heat, stay cool and wear light-weight clothes.


Vitamin C








Vitamin C influences the part of the brain and nerves that influence the body's heat-regulating centers. Supplements, including the simple addition of lemon juice to water, are effective and beneficial in preventing heart stroke.


Other Vitamins


A daily multivitamin is an excellent defense against heat stroke. Additional doses of vitamin C and electrolyte supplements that include sodium, potassium, and magnesium are optimal measures to take when heat stroke may be a risk.


Minerals


When an individual sweats, small amounts of electrolytes are lost. These include the minerals "sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium," according to Time-to-Run.com. Taking supplements that contain those minerals is beneficial.

Tags: heat stroke, heat stroke, sodium potassium, supplements that