This is what happens to the body during humid conditions, especially when you are an athlete like Avinash Sable

Avinash Sable has become the first Indian athlete to qualify for the 3000m steeplechase final with a fifth-place finish in his heat event. But what many not realise is that Sable, a track and field athlete, managed the feat in extreme heat conditions. Talking about his goal, Sable in an interview shared by Olympic Khel said, “When I entered the race, my only focus was to make it to the top 5. It was also my strategy to save as much energy as I could as it is humid here. I wanted to lead first so that I don’t have to chase at the end”

Taking a cue, we asked experts about what happens to the body during humid conditions especially when you are an athlete.

Dr  Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad said that during humid conditions, the body faces additional challenges in regulating temperature, especially during intense athletic activities like steeplechase.

“Humidity hampers the evaporation of sweat, the body’s primary cooling mechanism. As a result, the body retains more heat, leading to an increased risk of overheating,” said Dr Haricharan.

In high humidity, the body’s core temperature rises more quickly. According to Dr Haricharan, this can lead to symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. “Signs include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Maintaining hydration is crucial, as excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, further impairing physical performance and recovery,” he told indianexpress.com.

Here’s what to understand about humidity (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

The cardiovascular system also experiences increased strain in humid conditions. Dr Haricharan explained that the heart works harder to pump blood to the skin’s surface to dissipate heat.

“This added effort can reduce the body’s efficiency in delivering oxygen to muscles, potentially leading to quicker fatigue and decreased athletic performance,” said Dr Haricharan.

 

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To mitigate these effects, Dr Haricharan advised that athletes should prioritise hydration, acclimate gradually to humid conditions, and take breaks in shaded or cooler areas. “Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing can also help enhance sweat evaporation and cooling. Monitoring for signs of heat-related stress is essential to ensure safety during strenuous activities in humid environments,” said Dr Haricharan.

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