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This year, we are once again experiencing one heat record after another. Temperatures are currently climbing, and in some parts of Europe, temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius are likely to become commonplace in just a few months. Whenever this happens, one thing is particularly important: drinking enough fluids. According to science, however, the choice of beverages is also important.
Drink plenty of fluids in hot weather: just not these
Officially, the recommendation is to drink at least three liters per day in high temperatures and with the heatwave that may soon be coming to Europe. Since fluid loss can quickly increase two to threefold, it is important to increase your normal intake. If you also exercise, your fluid requirements increase even further.
However, not all drinks are helpful in hot weather. Scientists even consider two liquids that are popular with many people in everyday life to be critical in connection with high temperatures: coffee and tea. The reason is simple but obvious. These liquids do not provide hydration, but can have the opposite effect.
Tip: Scientists have already determined in detail how much you should drink in general. They have also determined whether it is really a good idea to drink tap water.
Coffee and tea: Pay attention to the amount in hot weather
Whether served warm as usual or as refreshing iced tea or iced coffee, experts say these drinks still have a dehydrating effect. According to BestLife, citing the Mayo Clinic, both are considered diuretics, meaning they have a diuretic effect and flush water out of the body. While this can be good for supporting kidney function, it can become a problem during phenomena such as heat waves.
While coffee leads to dehydration due to its caffeine content, the herbs in some types of tea have similar properties. According to scientists at the Mayo Clinic, this applies to ginger, dandelion, hibiscus, and juniper, for example.
Special caution is advised with too much alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are an absolute no-go, at least in excess. On normal days, these cause at most a slight hangover. However, if you drink too much of them in high temperatures, you can easily slip into a severe phase of dehydration.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
You can tell if you are dehydrated by various signals from your body. If you notice the following symptoms, for example, you should drink regularly and in large quantities. In the long term, other signs may appear. These include chapped, brittle lips, discolored urine, and dry, itchy skin.
Signs of too little fluid in the body:
Thirst
Dry mouth and tongue
Headaches
Concentration problems
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Caution: Not only too little fluid can be dangerous. Drinking too much can also be dangerous in some situations, namely through water intoxication.
- source: futurezone.at/picture: pixabay.com
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