Extreme heat and heat waves: beware of dehydration this summer and advice on how to improve your hydration
If, in the collective unconscious, "summer" generally rhymes with sun, well-being and relaxation, the periods of high heat and heatwave observed during this season can be the cause of a state of dehydration . Making sure to hydrate well during the summer is therefore a necessity!
Dehydration: a real risk during periods of high heat
Dehydration is the result of an imbalance between the intake and loss of water and mineral salts . During the summer, this risk is particularly high. Indeed, under the effect of heat, the human body sets up different mechanisms in order to maintain its temperature at 37°C.
While these physiological mechanisms are designed to protect the body from overheating, they can also lead to a state of dehydration when water and mineral losses linked to perspiration are not compensated by sufficient intake. Among the most common symptoms of moderate dehydration , we find headaches , dry mouth , aches , fatigue or irritability. While these symptoms are most often benign, a state of dehydration should not be taken lightly. Indeed, in the absence of rehydration , serious symptoms - such as impaired consciousness and disorientation - can appear and the proper functioning of vital organs can be compromised. This is also why, during a heatwave , particular vigilance is required for vulnerable people such as seniors, infants or people with a chronic illness.
Simple rules for good hydration during summer
In order to maintain your health, it is therefore essential to ensure that you stay well hydrated during the summer. How? First of all, by drinking enough water. The recommended daily intake during periods of high heat and heatwaves is 1.5 to 2.5 liters, but these recommendations can naturally vary depending on the profile, the level of physical activity and the duration of exposure to heat.
Contrary to popular belief, you should not wait until you are thirsty to drink! In fact, the feeling of thirst is like an alarm signal sent by the body: it already indicates slight dehydration .
Another important aspect: diet. It must be varied and rich in fruits and vegetables, the latter having the advantage of containing a lot of water and many minerals ensuring essential functions within the body. Magnesium , for example, helps reduce physical and cerebral fatigue , sodium determines the amount of water present in the cells, zinc , for its part, contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system , chloride helps with digestion, potassium participates in normal muscle function and manganese, finally, protects cells from oxidative stress ( antioxidant ). Compensating for part of the mineral losses caused by perspiration during the high summer heat is therefore essential.
Hydratis, a little lozenge to get you through the heatwave well hydrated
Sold in pharmacies since February 2020, Hydratis is a real health ally for the summer. Enriched with mineral salts and trace elements – magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc and chloride are 4 times more present than in conventional water – the effervescent tablets improve the body's hydration and facilitate recovery by naturally optimizing the body's absorption of water.
In everyday life, they also prove to be valuable allies for athletes, travelers and people wishing to avoid the headaches characteristic of the day after a party.
Free from colouring and preservatives, Hydratis is available in three flavours (peach, wild berries, lemon & elderflower) and only requires a little running water to provide an ultra- hydrating refreshing break.
