How Drinking Water Can Help you Beat the Heat

We’re currently experiencing the hottest summer since the blazer of 1976, according to news reports, and when temperatures soar like they have been, staying cool is more than just a matter of comfort – it’s essential for your health and wellbeing! At Cooleraid, we know that water isn’t just a basic necessity, it’s what your body needs to help combat the heat. Whether you’re at work, at home, working outdoors, or just enjoying the sun, hydration is vital for keeping your body temperature stable when you get hot under the collar!

Here's how drinking water can help you beat the heat this summer, along with hints and tips about the best ways to stay hydrated during the summer months.

Why Does Hydration Matter in the Heat?

Think of your body like a finely tuned machine; to regulate its temperature it relies on sweating, which in turn releases water and electrolytes away from your body. If you don’t replace what you’ve lost, you could start to feel lethargic, dizzy, and sometimes sick. In extreme cases during hot weather, dehydration can lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion. But drinking enough water helps your body to maintain its stable core temperature and replace the fluids lost through sweat. This helps to support circulation, keeping your skin healthy and can also help to prevent headaches and fatigue which can be a side effect of even mild dehydration.

How Does Water Keep You Cool?

When the temperature rises, your body’s systems get to work, and its natural cooling system kicks in by producing sweat. But sweating can only work effectively if you have enough fluid in your body. If you’re well hydrated, you’ll sweat, which will cool your body down. Your blood remains fluid and circulates easily allowing heat to dissipate. But if you’re dehydrated, then sweating slows down or even stops so that your body conserves its fluid, trapping heat, and raising your core temperature. It’s then that you could start to experience heat related ailments.

Signs that You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

We all think that thirst is the best indicator of dehydration, but by the time you feel thirsty, dehydration has already started, particularly in hot weather. There are some early warning signs though, and you may experience one, or all of them if you’re dehydrated.

• Headache or light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Sticky saliva
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dark coloured urine
• Decreased urine output

These are your body’s way of asking for help – a large glass of water can rehydrate you more quickly than you’d think. Within 5 minutes your body will start to absorb water, with hydration following usually within 30 minutes.

How Much Water Do You Need to Drink in Hot Weather?

There is no hard and fast rule, but generally men should aim to drink 3.5 litres per day and women 2.5 litres. If you’re active in the sun, then you may need more. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day rather than glugging it back all at once. Regular sipping, before you feel thirsty is the best way to maintain hydration.

Are There Key Times During the Day to Drink Water?

To kick start your hydration during hot weather drink a glass of water first thing in the morning; your body needs it after several hours of sleep. Before, during, and after meals will help with digestion, and drinking before you go outdoors will prepare your body for heat exposure. If you are doing any kind of physical activity, drink plenty to keep your body energised and cool, and then before you go to bed, especially if night times are hot.

Staying Hydrated at Work

At Cooleraid we understand how important it is to have regular and easy access to clean drinking water, even more so in the summer months. Our wide range of mains-fed and bottled water coolers make it easy to provide hydration solutions for just about any workplace.

We supply businesses, schools, gyms, and healthcare facilities across the UK with reliable water cooler services. Whether you need a wall mounted unit in a busy office or a high capacity free standing cooler in a warehouse, we’re sure to have the model for your workplace.

More Tips to Beat the Heat

As well as drinking plenty of water, we have some extra tips to help you stay cool this summer.

Dress lightly – loose and breathable fabrics are best.Avoid peak heat – Try and stay indoors near midday, keep blinds or curtains closed if you can.

Use fans or air conditioning – This helps keep the air around you cooler.

Take cool showers – lower your body temperature with the water a few degrees cooler.

Keep a water bottle with you – Make it a habit to sip water regularly.