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News Industry 10 Must-Know Heatwave Hydration Tips


Industry

21st July 2021

10 Must-Know Heatwave Hydration Tips

With the UK heatwave continuing to surge and temperatures reaching up to 30°C this week, the risk of dehydration is becoming progressively prevalent. Naturally, the beautiful and balmy weather makes us want to spend more time outside and bask in the sun. However, too much time spent in the hot weather can pose a risk to our health when we don’t lookout for signs of dehydration. Here are ten tips to know about keeping hydrated during a sizzling heatwave.  

iPRO Sports Pharmacist, Paul Moloney (MPharm), on the importance of staying hydrated during a heatwave: 

“With more exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight over the coming summer months, it’s vital that people of all ages, particularly those who are active, stay fully hydrated as increased sweat rates reduce our water and salt content, which is vital to our health and performance. iPRO Hydrate with its specific formulation is ideal to replace the body’s fluid levels up to their optimum levels.”

1. Thirst isn’t an indicator 

At first, we may be acutely aware of how thirsty we are. But believe it or not, thirst is not always the first sign that our bodies are dehydrated. Before feeling thirsty, you could already be dehydrated and lose as much as 1 to 2 percent of your body water content.

2. Look out for the symptoms 

One of the first symptoms of dehydration can be headache, fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, or overall low energy. These symptoms cause repercussions if left ignored. Recognising the less serious signs beyond thirst can easily prevent severe dehydration or stop it before it worsens. Learning more about the symptoms of dehydration will make it easier to recognise when your body needs fluids. 

3. Avoid over-drinking water

You would think the first step to preventing or recovering from dehydration is immediately drinking water. It isn’t always the case. Drinking too much water can dilute the concentration of sodium in our blood (otherwise known as electrolytes). Consuming too much water poses a serious risk to our health, and we don’t always realise it.

4. Choose an isotonic drink

When we sweat, we lose vital salts and minerals that need restoring to maintain a natural balance of fluids in our bodies. These salts and minerals are known as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride (electrolytes). Electrolytes play a role in rehydration as they are responsible for directing water to the areas in our body that need it the most. That’s why isotonic drinks such as iPRO Hydrate with added electrolytes are more effective at rehydrating than drinking just water alone.

5. Have a pre-workout hydration plan

Our fluid needs vary because we all sweat at different rates. However, exercising in a heatwave makes you sweat more, so incorporate this into your hydration preparation when you plan to exercise. Creating a hydration plan around your workout is a great way to keep yourself aware of your hydration levels.

6. Have a post-workout hydration plan  

Hot weather intensifies the electrolytes lost to sweat after exercising, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Heat exhaustion can occur when the body hasn’t adapted to hot conditions. If you begin to experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, nausea, or a high temperature, lie down in a cool place and keep your feet elevated. Drink plenty of fluids like iPRO Hydrate to replenish lost fluids.

7. Avoid consuming excessive caffeine 

Caffeine is a diuretic ingredient, which means beverages containing caffeine such as energy drinks and coffee can increase the urge to urinate. Drinking caffeine-fuelled beverages during a heatwave is cautioned against, as it can advance dehydration in the body. iPRO Hydrate is a caffeine-free hydration drink. 

8. Check your urine colour 

As odd as it sounds, checking the colour of your urine can help determine how dehydrated you are. If you’re passing a pale yellow colour, then your body is adequately hydrated. However, if you’re passing a dark colour then it’s a sign your body needs more fluids. You can access urine charts online to assess how dehydrated you are. 

9. Check the inside of your mouth

When you’re dehydrated, your mouth and tongue may feel dry. That’s because your body doesn’t have enough water to produce saliva.  

10. Do the Pinch Test

When dehydrated, you may have poor skin turgor. Having poor skin turgor means it takes longer for your skin to spring back into place. You can test this by pinching the skin on your forearm to check how supple it is.  

Beat the heatwave and order your very own healthy hydration for less than £1 a bottle at www.iPRO.Direct