Three drinks everyone should avoid having this week as heat alert issued
There are certain drinks that will make you feel worse in the heat.
The fifth heatwave of the summer is taking hold across the UK, and more weather alerts have been issued. When temperatures rise, it is essential to look after your health.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather alert for extreme heat for much of England on Thursday. It said adverse health effects are "likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat" and that the wider population is likely to suffer from sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. Temperatures are likely to peak at around 37°C in places.
The high temperatures will be mainly concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the UK. As many people try to cope with the heat, the NHS has issued official advice.
It said: "Many of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. When hot weather hits, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know."
An essential part of staying well in hot weather is to stay hydrated. The NHS explained that the main risks posed by a heatwave include not drinking enough water, which can cause dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
It urged people to eat cold food and drink regular cold drinks to manage body temperature and prevent dehydration. However, the NHS says people should avoid having alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
The advice says: "Cool yourself down. Have cold food and regular cold drinks. Drink extra fluids but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes."
The British Red Cross has also issued similar guidance and urged people not to have alcohol or caffeine. It said: "Alcohol often goes hand in hand with sunny weather but, it is advised to limit consumption especially in the evening but causes poorer quality of sleep.
"Caffeinated drinks are diuretics and may encourage your body to lose fluids, risking dehydration as well as increase your body temperatures."
The NHS explained that dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it isn't treated, it can worsen and become a serious problem, especially in babies, children, and older adults.
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include feeling thirsty, headache, lightheadedness, dark yellow, strong-smelling urine, or urinating less often than usual. You may also feel dizzy and tired, with sunken eyes or a dry mouth, lips, and tongue.
Babies may have a sunken soft spot on the top of their head, sunken eyes, few or no tears, fewer wet nappies than usual and be drowsy or irritable.
To treat dehydration, the NHS said: "You should drink fluids if you have symptoms of dehydration. If you feel sick or have been sick, you may find it hard to drink, so start with small sips and then gradually drink more. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol as both will dehydrate you."
