Health and family
The heat wave can be translated into dehydration if appropriate measures are not taken. Discover if pure water is the best resource to avoid this inconvenience.
Pure water and appropriate garments are between measures to prevent exhaustion and dehydration during a heat wave. (Free Press Photo: Freepik)
All health experts recommend the intake of two liters of water daily. However, is this enough to prevent Dehydration during one heat wave?
Health specialists agree thatalthough it is necessary to drink water to keep us hydrated, it must be complemented with sera and drinks with electrolytes to replenish liquid losses derived from sun exposure.
In the case of the elderly, Guatemalan geriatrician Raúl Pineda explains that the use of homemade sera can be considered using an orange and half a tablespoon of salt plus a third of mineral water.
As for young people, an adequate intake of pure water is advised, although as mentioned above, the use of other rehydrating drinks is also advised. If you want to prepare a whey at home, There are various methods to prepare this drink.
How to know if I’m not consuming enough water?
- Considerable increase in thirst. Thirst is the first sign that it is not hydrating correctly and that needs to drink more water and rehydrating liquids.
- Decrease in urine. If you have little frequent urination, this is an alert signal.
- Dry or bitter mouth. In the case of children, there can even be dryness on their lips.
- Low blood pressure. If your blood pressure is drastically reduced, this may be a serious dehydration sign. In these cases, it is advisable to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
- Hormigueans in arms and legs. Other symptoms such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, among others can also occur. It is always important to consult a specialist before any abnormal sign.
What other foods and drinks can I consume before a heat wave?
If you want to stay hydrated, these are some Other sources of hydration For your body, according to health specialists. Remember that they are accessories and not substitutes for vital fluid:
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Jamaica water
In addition, the United Nations Childhood Fund (UNICEF) advises to keep these elements by hand when a heat wave is presented:
- Oral rehydration salts envelopes (SRO)
- Thermometer
- Water bottles,
- Wet cooling towels or cloths
- Portable fan or nebulizer
- A checklist to detect and treat symptoms of thermal stress.
- In addition to this, during a heat wave the use of light garments and sunscreen of the correct filter is advised.