A heatwave has swept across the UK, with temperatures reaching 33°C in certain parts of the country over the bank holiday weekend. However, the warmer weather also brings warnings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert – the second of three warning tiers – across the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and South East, which will remain active until 5pm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a yellow alert is already in place throughout the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, and the South West.
The government body stated that vulnerable groups may be at risk due to the heat, and as people rush to switch on fans and air-conditioning units, the demand for electricity may exceed capacity. Alongside warnings to stay out of the midday sun and wear sunscreen, Brits are advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Before reaching for a water bottle, a doctor claims there is a better option for managing a heatwave: milk. It is not the usual go-to in summer; many recall Ron Burgundy from Anchorman proclaiming that milk was a bad choice in the sweltering sunshine. However, Dr. Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks, says milk may be more hydrating than water.
“A lot of buildings in the UK aren’t well equipped to deal with extreme heat, so it’s more important than ever to look after your hydration levels throughout periods of hot weather,” she tells Metro. “However, you don’t have to stick to water alone to boost hydration levels.”
Symptoms of Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include: feeling thirsty; dark yellow, strong-smelling urine; peeing less often than usual; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; feeling tired; a dry mouth, lips and tongue; and sunken eyes. If you have symptoms of dehydration, drink plenty of fluids (in small sips if you find it hard to drink due to sickness). Additionally, you can get oral rehydration solutions through a pharmacist. Call 111 urgently if you or your child have any of these symptoms of severe dehydration: feeling unusually tired or drowsy; confusion or disorientation; feeling dizzy when standing up and it not going away; breathing quickly or a fast heart rate; no tears when crying (specifically applicable to babies and children); a soft spot on the head that sinks inward, known as sunken fontanelle (specifically applicable to babies and children). Via NHS.
Dr. Natasha explains that due to the sugar, protein, and fat content of milk, which slows the rate at which fluid empties from the stomach, a glass of milk helps you stay hydrated over longer periods. “Milk also contains sodium,” she adds, “which allows your body to hold onto water for longer, aiding hydration levels.”
It is not just cow’s milk either: vegan or lactose-intolerant individuals can also benefit with a plant-based alternative. Dr. Natasha highlights that soya milk also contains electrolytes, which aid re-hydration further. Alongside milk, she recommends watermelons, coconut water, cucumbers or cucumber juice, and fresh fruit juices diluted with water to help stay cool.
You may have heard that a hot drink on a warm day is better too. While it is a classic older relative refrain, there is some truth to it. It may not be particularly refreshing, but a steaming cup of tea cools you down by prompting your body to sweat. “The hot drink somehow has an effect on your systemic cooling mechanisms, which exceeds its actual effect in terms of heating your body,” Peter McNaughton, a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge, told NPR. “That’s probably why chilli peppers are so popular in hot countries because they cause sweating and activate a whole raft of mechanisms which lower the temperature.”
However, there is a caveat: your sweat needs to be able to evaporate on your skin. If the air is too humid or you are wearing a lot of clothing, for example, you will just end up feeling slightly warmer than before you put the kettle on. So rather than a milky cuppa, you are probably better off just sticking with the milk.
This article was originally published on July 18, 2024.
