In the coming days, different regions of Brazil will be hit by a strong wave of heat, whose thermal sensation can reach 70 ° C, according to projection based on a table used by the University of São Paulo (USP) Applied Climatology Center. One of the main consequences for the body is dehydration.
According to Cristiane Zambolim, cardiologist at the German Hospital Oswaldo Cruz, on days, the body tries to regulate body temperature through sweat, causing the body to lose water. Therefore, staying hydrated is critical to avoid symptoms related to high temperatures.
“The first sign of dehydration is the dry mouth. Then you may feel the heart accelerate, cake, drowsiness and even mental confusion, ”says the cardiologist in an interview with CNN. “When feeling these symptoms, it’s time to hydrate,” he warns.
A should be done preferably with water. On ordinary days, the ideal amount of water to be consumed on the day is calculated by multiplying body weight by 35 ml. For example, a 60 kg person should take at least 2,100 ml of water daily. However, on extreme hot days, this intake should be higher, according to Zambolim.
“On a day of thermal sensation above 40 ° C, for example, only two liters of water will not be enough. You will need to take 2.5 liters or up to 3 liters of water a day, ”he says.
In addition to water, other liquids can help. This is the case of teas, isotonic, natural fruit juices and coconut water. Foods rich in water, such as fruits (watermelon, strawberry, melon, pineapple, mango, kiwi, among others), vegetables, also help to replace the liquid lost by sweat.
What to avoid?
Some liquids may even refresh on hot days, such as beer and the. However, this type of drink should be avoided on hot days as they can facilitate dehydration. “Alcohol dehydrates, as well as caffeine,” says Zambolim.
“So drinks like beer, drinks, energy and coffee should be avoided on very hot days,” he warns. “If you have a caffeine soda, for example, you will have to take two glasses of water then,” he says.
