Ln (Oregon) on 07/02/2020
I have always struggled with heat and outdoor activities, but recently I experienced a case of full blown heat exhaustion: chills, headache, nausea, heart burn and fatigue. I could do absolutely nothing but lie in bed propped up. Because of Earth Clinic recommendations, I tried taking 1 Tablespoon ACV in a glass of water. I did not think I could get it down, but I did. This helped calm my nausea and heartburn, and allowed me to drift into sleep.
The next morning, I felt 80% better, and was so grateful to have no more nausea. After speaking with a doctor about this experience, I was told that once you experience a case of heat stress you are more vulnerable to repeat cases until your body fully heals. This was indeed my situation—I had had a similar experience three weeks prior. It is good to know that the body takes its time to heal from these events, and I will give myself more time before a tackling another challenging exposed hike.
Devin (Florida) on 06/19/2016
Simon (Bath, England) on 02/20/2012
The same thing happened the following summer, at around the same time in August. This time, though, I was prepared for it. I stopped what I was doing at the time when I felt the symptoms coming on, and wrapped up straight away. I made myself plenty of hot drinks, and felt the need to eat lots of high-carb foods (potatoes were amazing). The symptoms did not escalate this time, and I felt myself become better within a few hours.
Last summer (2011) I had it come on again a little, and just made sure that I kept myself warm and full of food. Again, the symptoms disappeared fairly quickly.
It is important to note also that for the past two years in the summer I have been wearing a hat pretty much every day. I also wear sun glasses to protect my eyes against the glare. I don't like wearing sun tan lotion, so I just make sure I cover my neck because that's the only area that normally burns when I'm dressed.
Christine (Virginia Beach, USA) on 04/15/2008
A study done years ago demonstrated that using Vitamin C will prevent heat exhaustion. Best bet: use sodicum ascorbate because it is buffered and won't hurt your stomach.
See: http://www.seanet.com/~alexs/ascorbate/194x/index.htm#Weaver-1948
Elisa (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) on 08/08/2007