Japan doctors advise ice slurry, oral rehydration and salt candy to prevent heatstroke

Dr. Eiki Taniguchi of Saiseikai Yokohama Hospital explains that mild heatstroke is essentially dehydration, so rapid intake of water, electrolytes and glucose is crucial. He recommends three food‑based measures:

* Ice slurry – a semi‑frozen drink with fine ice particles that cool the body more effectively than plain water. It can be prepared at home by freezing a beverage for several hours and then softening it before consumption. * Oral rehydration solution (ORS) – a low‑osmolar drink containing water, electrolytes and glucose that is absorbed efficiently. ORS is not meant for constant sipping but should be kept at home for use when symptoms such as dizziness, faintness or muscle cramps appear. * Salt candy – provides minerals and sugar, but must be taken with a full glass of water because the candy alone does not replace lost fluid.

Specific products highlighted include Taisho Pharmaceutical’s Lipovitan ice slurry (available in honey‑lemon, apple and salty‑lychee flavours), Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s OS‑1 ORS, and Bourbon’s mineral‑enriched salt candy. The article advises pairing salt candy with water and stresses that proper meals should not be replaced by these products alone.