The hot weather causes the body to sweat more and leads to dehydration. At this time, timely hydration is extremely important. However, drinking water in certain ways can be harmful to health.
Summer Drinking Habits That Can Harm Your Heart and Kidneys
During hot weather, the body sweats more to cool down. This also results in a certain amount of water loss, which is why we feel thirstier in summer.
On hot summer days, many people have the habit of drinking ice-cold water or consuming large amounts of water to quench their thirst and cool off. However, according to Professor Li Xiaoqiun, who teaches at the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Peking University in China, these two drinking habits can negatively affect heart and kidney health.
Professor Li Xiaoqiun stated that the habit of drinking too much water too quickly in a short period can increase pressure on the heart, kidneys, and circulatory system. Excessive water intake can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to nausea, headaches, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms… In severe cases, it may result in seizures and coma.
Drinking too much water in a short period can cause electrolyte imbalances. (Illustration).
Additionally, Professor Li Xiaoqiun added: “The habit of drinking ice-cold water in summer is also not good because cold water constricts blood vessels in the digestive system, affecting the digestion process. This is also why some people experience stomach pain, nausea, or discomfort after drinking cold water.”
Some studies also indicate that drinking cold water can reduce heart rate. This occurs because ice-cold water affects and stimulates the vagus nerve. Inhibition of the vagus nerve can lead to a decrease in heart rate.
Finally, the habit of drinking ice-cold water in hot weather can increase the risk of sore throat and nasal congestion, especially in children.
Drinking ice-cold water to quench thirst in hot weather can harm health. (Illustration).
Tips for Staying Hydrated in Summer
1. Drink Slowly
Professor Li Xiaoqiun emphasizes that people should sip water slowly, even when feeling thirsty. It’s advisable to drink 100-150ml of water at a time, avoiding excessive intake in a short period.
2. Drink Enough Water
According to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States, an adult should drink approximately 3.7 liters of water per day for men and about 2.7 liters for women. This amount includes both beverages and water obtained from food such as fruits, vegetables, and soups.
3. Avoid Very Cold Water
Drinking very cold water can lead to sore throats or digestive issues. The ideal water temperature should be between 10-30 degrees Celsius.
4. Do Not Replace Water with Sugary or Carbonated Drinks
In hot weather, the demand for sugary drinks increases. However, these drinks often contain high amounts of sugar, and excessive consumption can raise the risk of metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, and more.
