Dehydration and high heat: How to optimize your hydration this summer?
High temperatures, heat waves and dehydration: How to rehydrate effectively this summer?
Dehydration occurs when water consumption does not compensate for the body's losses. Thus, through various phenomena, the human body can be led to lose large quantities of water and this can then lead to a state of dehydration . We will see what phenomena cause dehydration and how to prevent its occurrence.
During episodes of high heat or heatwave , we observe an increase in body temperature which should normally be between 36.1°C and 37.8°C. When it rises too high, we speak of hyperthermia and this can lead to a dysfunction of vital organs and then prove to be dangerous for our body. Thermoregulation, which means temperature regulation, allows through various mechanisms to reduce body temperature, in particular through perspiration. Indeed, perspiration (or sweating) allows the body to cool by emitting water droplets on the surface of the skin.
Maintaining a good level of hydration therefore allows the metabolism to regulate the temperature of the body and vital organs. It is therefore essential to be careful to drink throughout the day, as soon as you wake up during these periods of high heat.
Hydratis is a good ally to have this summer - the young French brand has developed hydration and rehydration solutions to optimize the assimilation of liquids. In the form of sachets or effervescent tablets, Hydratis allows you to enrich your water to increase the absorption of liquids and reduce the risk of dehydration.
During periods of high heat and heatwaves, our advice is to drink a glass of Hydratis morning, noon and evening to minimise the risk of dehydration and the many symptoms that it causes.
What situations increase my risk of experiencing symptoms of dehydration?
Hydration in sport
This same mechanism is involved when practicing a sporting activity and it causes a loss of water that can be significant if the sweating episodes last a long time. It is commonly said that 1% dehydration is equivalent to a loss of 10% of your energy level. During physical effort, it is therefore essential to hydrate throughout it and during an effort of more than 30 minutes, add Hydratis to your drink in order to replace the electrolytes (minerals) lost through sweating and optimize your hydration.
Alcohol = dehydration = hangover !
Alcohol is a diuretic and increases the risk of dehydration. Indeed, when consuming alcoholic beverages, alcohol enters the bloodstream. It then undergoes a metabolization stage and is then eliminated through the kidneys. During its elimination, the kidneys use water from our body to eliminate this alcohol as quickly as possible, leading to dehydration, which is the cause of many hangover symptoms occurring the day after a night of heavy drinking.
After drinking alcohol, have a large glass of Hydratis to maximize your hydration and avoid the unwanted symptoms of alcohol, thousands of people use Hydratis partly for this reason!
Diarrhea, gastroenteritis and vomiting
Digestive disorders such as gastroenteritis or a deregulation of the intestinal flora can cause diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Diarrhea occurs when there is an increase in the frequency of stools (more than 3 stools in 24 hours) accompanied by a change in their consistency from soft to liquid, leading to significant elimination of water because it is no longer absorbed enough by the digestive system and is eliminated with the stools.
Vomiting is characterized by the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth and therefore the water not reaching the intestine is no longer absorbed.
Thus, all these mechanisms cause a loss of water and electrolytes which can be the cause of dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration are important to recognize because dehydration can have serious consequences on the body. Among these symptoms, there are: intense thirst, a decrease in the quantity of urine, a dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, fever, headaches or even dizziness.
Hydratis 50+ is a rehydration solution suitable for adults in periods of dehydration which can be used during these periods in order to rehydrate effectively.
How to avoid dehydration?
To prevent dehydration and/or avoid its worsening, it is essential to have optimal hydration. To do this, there are a few rules:
● Drinking about 2 liters of water per day helps prevent dehydration
● Sodas and fruit juices are prohibited
● Coffee should be avoided as it is a laxative.
● Avoid alcoholic beverages
● Drink tea, herbal teas or soups
● Sparkling water but decarbonated because bubbles are not good for the digestive tract. This water is rich in mineral salts essential for better rehydration
● You should not wait until you are thirsty to hydrate yourself because the feeling of thirst is already a sign of dehydration.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are composed of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. and sugar such as glucose. These ORS are used to prepare a solution to treat dehydration. They are part of the WHO essential medicines and are used in infants, young children and adults to prevent or treat dehydration. This reduces by 33% the need for intravenous solutions that are used as first-line rehydration in hospitals.
Hydratis tablets are based on the principle of ORS. In fact, they are composed of electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, chloride, zinc, manganese, sodium chloride) and dextrose which is a sugar. This allows for better absorption of water and helps to compensate for electrolyte losses. Since the elderly are among those most at risk of dehydration, there is a specific “senior” range which comes in the form of a sachet.
These lozenges and sachets can thus be used to prevent dehydration in the context of gastroenteritis and/or diarrhea. If symptoms persist, it is essential to consult a doctor.
