Calcium for Sunstroke. Is Calcium Helpful for Post-Sun Symptoms?

Mallick Speaks
3 min readJul 4, 2024

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Lime, or rather calcium, is not a good cure for sunstroke, although it can be given in the case of electrolyte imbalances. Drinking lime can help relieve sunburn and itchy skin. What else is worth knowing about this element and sunburn?

Some people recommend “ lime ” for sunstroke. Is that right?

Sunstroke is a very dangerous condition that threatens health and life, in which the body overheats and disrupts the natural ability to regulate internal temperature. This results in irritation of the meninges and brain congestion. Symptoms appear: fever, chills, headache, dry and hot skin, rapid heartbeat, weakness, anxiety, intense thirst, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness. Check what helps with sunstroke.

The role of calcium in the body

Calcium (Ca), sometimes called lime, has an important role in the body. It is the basic building block of bones, teeth and nails. In adults, it constitutes about 1.5% of body weight. In the human body:

• is the building block of bones,

• helps conduct nerve impulses,

• affects the functioning of the heart,

• affects the body’s balance,

• takes part in the absorption of iron,

• influences the activity of many enzymes responsible for blood clotting, metabolism and other body functions.

• It is worth knowing that calcium, or more precisely the ratio of calcium ions to sodium ions in the hypothalamus, is involved in regulating the body’s temperature . In the case of an increase in the amount of calcium ions, the thermoregulatory center lowers the body temperature. However, this does not mean that large doses of this element should be taken to lower the temperature. Both its excess and deficiency can be harmful to health.

Lime for sunstroke. Is it a good idea?

Sunstroke often occurs with abnormal electrolyte levels, mainly sodium and potassium, but also calcium . It is often accompanied by rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which skeletal muscle tissue is damaged and broken down, and proteins harmful to the kidneys enter the blood. Rhabdomyolysis occurs with abnormal (first too low, then too high) calcium levels in the blood.

Any person with heatstroke should be under medical care. During hospitalization, the concentration of elements in the body (including calcium) is assessed and any disorders are treated.

If the patient is conscious, we can give them an electrolyte drink ourselves. However, first of all, we need to cool the body and call for medical help.

Lime for sun rash

One of the ailments associated with sunbathing is sunburn . Drinking lime can help alleviate this. There are scientific studies that support the effectiveness of calcium for symptoms such as itching and skin eruptions.

Although the topic of using calcium preparations for such changes is controversial among doctors. Using calcium is not a recommended method of treating rashes by doctors, but that does not mean it does not work. Calcium for allergies or rashes should not be taken for a long time, but rather on an ad hoc basis. Also read: Calcium for allergies and more on the subject of sun allergy .

What helps with sunstroke?

The best effects of sunstroke treatment are achieved by cooling the body and replenishing fluids . Before the patient receives professional medical help, you should move the injured person to a cool place (to the shade, an air-conditioned or well-ventilated room), pour lukewarm (not cold!) water on them in a bathtub , apply cool compresses to the body (to the head, neck, armpits), and if the person is conscious, give fluids (water, electrolytes to drink).

During the hospital stay, cooling and fluid administration are continued. Additionally, medications are administered depending on the symptoms and the condition of the body, which is constantly monitored. The administration of antipyretics (such as paracetamol, ibuprofen) is not recommended.

If we suspect sunstroke, never leave the injured person alone. It is best to either take them to hospital, or in more serious cases, call an ambulance, depending on their health condition.

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Mallick Speaks

Blogger, Writer, Translator and Social Media Guru. I am a computer Programmer and Database Administrator.