Hot weather is set to return in a matter of days, weather forecasters have warned. As a result, people across the UK are going to be looking for ways to cool off during the sweaty, muggy conditions, especially as the Met Office is forecasting temperatures rising as high as 30C by Thursday. While you certainly can’t go wrong with cold water or icy water, sometimes it’s natural to want something a little bit more exciting to keep fresh with.
The UK Health and Security Agency recently reissued guidance for people to keep hydrated during the hot weather. In it, the guidance said: “Drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. You should drink enough that your pee is a pale straw colour.”
But although water, squash and milk are all good options to keep hydrated, fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks are not.
That’s because their high sugar content (unless you drink a diet/zero sugar version) actually dehydrates the body.
The UKHSA adds: “Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices. Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body. Limit the amount of fruit juice or smoothies that you drink, and swap sugary soft drinks for diet, sugar-free or no added sugar varieties.
“If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.”
The UKHSA wans that older people as well as the very young are at particular risk in the heat.
It says that although “anyone can become unwell” when it’s scorching hot, older people aged 65 or over are more at risk. In fact, the age range was brought down from 75 to 65, given the heightened risk for anyone over 65, not just the very old.
The guidance says: “Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include: older people aged 65 years and over (note change from previous guidance of 75 years of age and above); babies and young children aged 5 years and under.”
The UKHSA also stressed that people with “underlying conditions” including several common in older people are at greater risk.
It added: “People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems.”
Naturally, alcohol should be avoided too, as it also has a dehydrating effect on the body, as a diuretic.
It adds: “Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is a good idea to choose alcohol-free options, or alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.
“If you are fasting during a heatwave, it is important to drink enough to adequately hydrate before you fast and follow the guidance on keeping cool and preventing dehydration. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before fasting.”
