Have you noticed that every summer we languish from unbearable heat? Of course, there have been hot days in past decades, but now we are increasingly faced with new temperature records. When it’s hot, we don’t think well, get irritated over trifles, and generally feel terrible. If you do not follow certain rules, in such weather you can easily suffer from sunstroke, get burns, or even faint from dehydration. To survive the heat of summer, drinking more fluids is very important. But don’t run for cold cola, natural juice and beer – all these drinks, on the contrary, can make things even worse. So what should you drink in hot weather to feel good?
In the summer heat you need to drink as often as possible, because otherwise it can become bad
Contents< /p>
- 1 Why you need to drink often in hot weather
- 2 How much water should you drink in hot weather
- 3 The best drinks in hot weather
- 3.1 Plain water
- 3.2 Iced tea
- 3.3 Fruits and vegetables
- 3.4 Electrolyte drinks
- 4 What you shouldn’t drink in the heat
- 4.1 Is it possible to drink energy drinks in the heat
- 4.2 Is it possible to drink soda in the heat
- 4.3 Is it possible to drink alcohol in the heat
Why do you need to drink often in the heat
In hot weather, every person sweats profusely, because in this way the body cools down – thermoregulation occurs. Along with sweat, fluid leaves the body, and its supply needs to be replenished more often than usual.
Thanks to sweating, we survive in the heat, so the level of water in the body must be constantly maintained< /p>
If the level of fluid in the body is not replenished in time, the person will become ill. First, the first symptoms of dehydration will appear: thirst, dry mouth and decreased urine output. If left untreated, symptoms of severe dehydration will occur, including weakness, dizziness, headache and decreased sweating. When the body stops regulating body temperature, there is a risk of sunstroke, accompanied by high fever, nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness.
Related article:What is sunstroke and how dangerous is it?
How much water should you drink in the heat
Drinking more when it's hot doesn't mean you need to pour liters of cooling drinks into yourself. Do not forget that excess fluid is also very harmful: a person may experience confusion, nausea and vomiting, as well as other severe symptoms.
Excessive amounts of water are also harmful to the human body
These symptoms associated withhyponatremia. This is the name of a condition in which the sodium concentration in a person’s blood decreases due to the abundance of fluid. When levels are too low, water begins to be drawn into cells, including brain cells, which can cause them to swell. In addition, an abundance of water increases the load on the kidney and heart, which is dangerous for people with chronic diseases.
Therefore, in the heat, you need to drink water often, but little by little. For example, in one approach you can drink half a glass of water or another drink allowed in hot weather.
Everyone should know about this:Why you can’t drink sparkling water every day – a couple of scary facts
The best drinks in the heat
In the heat, not all drinks can be drunk. Some of them can be harmful, especially in large quantities. Let's look at the best ways to cool off in the heat.
Plain water
Plain water is considered the best drink for maintaining fluid levels in the body. It is best to drink filtered water, and even better if it is boiled. And is it worth saying that people should not drink rainwater?
Cool water is the best drink in the heat
Well-purified water without additives does not contain calories and helps maintain the necessary fluid balance in the body. This is the best option, but some people may get tired of plain water. Fortunately, there are equally good alternatives.
Iced tea
A good alternative to regular water is iced tea. Yes, it contains caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. But research shows that its refreshing effect is greater than its diuretic effect. You shouldn’t completely rely on tea, but for variety it can be used as a substitute for water.
IMPORTANT:In hot weather, you should not drink ice-cold drinks; they should be moderately cold. The fact is that drinking too cold can cause cramps and digestive problems. In addition, cold weakens the immune system, and a person can get sick.
Fruits and vegetables
During hot weather, you can eat fruits and vegetables more often, which can provide an additional source of fluid. For example, watermelons and melons are almost 90% water – this is an excellent option for quenching thirst. Cucumbers, tomatoes and green salad also contain a lot of water. In addition to protecting against dehydration, these foods can provide your daily requirement of some vitamins and minerals.
In the summer heat, you can eat liquid-rich foods
Drinks with electrolytes
Some people sweat more than others in hot weather. For example, such people include athletes. Together with sweat, they lose many minerals, which are necessary for the proper functioning of internal organs and cells. To restore their levels, you need to drink drinks with electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chlorine). They are usually sold in sports nutrition stores. Ordinary people who do not sweat excessively do not need such drinks.
This is also very important:Scientists have told how to drink water correctly to maintain health
What not to drink in the heat
Some drinks should not be drunk in the heat. The fact is that they promote greater urine output, and also put additional strain on the kidneys and heart.
Can you drink energy drinks in the heat?
You shouldn’t drink energy drinks and strong coffee on hot days. They contain a very large amount of caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. And in the heat, our body really needs liquid.
Energy drinks are strictly prohibited when it is +30 degrees Celsius or higher outside
Is it possible to drink soda in the heat
In hot weather, it is also better to avoid cola and other sodas. The fact is that they contain a huge amount of sugar. And it makes you even more thirsty. So it’s best to choose plain water.
Can you drink alcohol in hot weather?
Alcohol is contraindicated in hot weather because it is a diuretic – a drink that stimulates urination. Along with urine, we lose many minerals that are important for the proper functioning of the entire body. Alcohol also causes intoxication, and a person may not recognize the first symptoms of dehydration and may not take measures to avoid it.
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In addition, under the influence of alcohol, people become too bold. Many people die in the summer because they swim while drunk. But if you swim in cold water in hot weather, you can die even if you are sober.