How heat affects health and what we should be afraid of above all
Everyone knows that you need to drink more in the heat to avoid dehydration. However, they don't pay attention to the fact that it starts as soon as you skip breakfast and replace it with a cup of coffee.
SSPDaily published an article: "How to prevent dehydration in the heat?" Here is what experts advise to do in this case.
Why you can't sleep in the heat
The first thing that is destructively affected by high temperatures outside is your sleep.
When we fall asleep, our body temperature drops by one and a half degrees, which triggers processes that turn off consciousness and help us get a good night's rest.
However, in the heat of the day, this drop in body temperature is much harder to achieve, so people often go to bed past midnight. As a result, you don't get enough sleep, and it's natural that your first thought upon waking up is to drink coffee. Experts warn that this is a serious mistake. Coffee affects the adenosine system, which is activated only 90 minutes after you open your eyes in the morning. Therefore, coffee does not invigorate you at all, and at the same time causes additional dehydration. According to doctors, it is best to drink it 2 hours after waking up.
Drinking plenty of water is not enough
Another popular tip to escape the heat is to drink plenty of water. This is correct, but there is a clarification.
Although water consumption varies from person to person, in general, you should strive for 2.5 liters of liquid on a hot day. However, if you drink it on an empty stomach, it will not have the desired effect. To maximize hydration, it should be consumed with food or electrolytes.
Is it okay to drink beer in the heat?
It's tempting to drink a glass of beer on a hot day. And you shouldn't be afraid of it. The only thing that is not recommended is sitting in the open sun. Instead, sit in the shade and take a quality snack with minerals and calories. It will slow down the effects of alcohol and reduce its consumption.
What not to do in the heat?
According to doctors, the worst thing you can do in the heat is to sit in the sun all day and drink alcohol. Such a "vacation" will inevitably lead to serious dehydration. Under the influence of temperature, blood vessels will dilate, and when you get up, you will feel dizzy and most likely fall.
It is also advisable:
- Do not be outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Do not eat fried, fatty, or spicy foods.
Instead, eat foods with a high moisture content - watermelons, berries, lettuce, and drink mint tea - it has a positive effect on hydration.