How much water to drink in the summer heat and how to recognize dehydration: explanation

According to weather forecasters, Ukrainians will experience an abnormal heat wave in the coming days. It will peak on July 14-17, so there are still many "hellish" days ahead. High air temperatures can lead to severe dehydration, which is very dangerous for humans.

Doctors warn that dehydration should be avoided when the air temperature exceeds 25 degrees. So it's clear that when it's +38...+40 outside, you just need to take care of how to protect yourself from this dangerous condition.

When dehydration occurs

The human body loses water every day: through breathing, sweat, urination, tears, etc. Usually, it replenishes the lost fluid through water and food intake. However, if a person loses a lot of fluid but does not replenish it enough, the body becomes dehydrated.

What are the signs of dehydration

Feeling thirsty

Dizziness

Dark yellow urine with a pungent odor and a decrease in its amount during urination

Feeling tired

Dry mouth, lips, and eyes

Headache

Muscle cramps.

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately.

To reduce the risk of dehydration, the health service recommends drinking water regularly and whenever you experience any of the above symptoms.

During a heat wave, you should drink up to three liters of water per day. However, it's important to spread this amount over the day rather than drinking too much water at once.

If it is difficult to drink because you feel unwell, start with small sips and then gradually drink more.

During dehydration, you should avoid drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, excessively sweet drinks, and a lot of coffee – these drinks can worsen dehydration.

In times of war, there is often a shortage of drinking water. Therefore, if possible, you need to make reserves. Be sure to take drinking water with you to shelters and on the road.

In the absence of clean drinking water, you can use water from pump rooms, columns, wells, underground sources, rainwater, or tap water.

However, this water must be boiled for 5-10 minutes before drinking.

Do not drink untreated water – the risk of poisoning may be higher than dehydration..

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