UAE | Health
Loss of body fluids could play havoc with metabolism
With the high temperatures during the summer come health risks. In most cases, we do not realise how big the effects are on our body and therefore do not take the precautions seriously.
- By Donia Jenabzadeh, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:26 July 3, 2009
- Image Credit:
Dubai: With the high temperatures during the summer come health risks. In most cases, we do not realise how big the effects are on our body and therefore do not take the precautions seriously.
Mariam Saleh, nutrition manager at American Hospital Dubai, told Gulf News: "In extreme cases, a loss of 20 per cent of body water may cause death, and a loss of only 10 per cent causes severe disorders. To avoid these effects we should make sure that the body is well hydrated as water has a direct role in maintaining the body temperature besides the essential physiological and metabolic functions."
Essentially, it is dehydration and loss of body fluids that are major risks. The effect that this has on our body is that the person feels more tired, nauseous and experiences headaches.
Uma Subramaniyan, dietitian and diabetic educator at Al Zahra Private Hospital, Sharjah, says ice cold water limits a person's ability to consume more and advises people to drink water at normal temperature.
"For strenuous activities, a good guide is to have 1 litre of water for every hour of activity under high temperature conditions and heavy sweating," Saleh said.
Pale, straw-coloured urine normally indicates a good level of hydration but water intake needs to be increased if the colour is any darker.
Another health risk of high temperatures is of being sunburnt. Sun lotions are usually a good bet to avoid skin damage.
Tracy Frederick, dietician at the International Healthcare Centre, emphasised the importance of protecting the skin, "as too much sun exposure can lead to skin damage and early wrinkling". Taking these precautions seriously is as important as keeping a healthy diet. As there is a high amount of fluid loss during the summer, it is vital to replenish this by increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as they have high water content besides being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
According to Saleh, coffee, strong tea and some soft drinks should be avoided, because of their caffeine content which is a mild diuretic and, in large amounts, can cause dehydration.
Additionally, she said: "Some people find water unpalatable but they can make it more interesting by adding slices of lemon and lime, or they can try diluting fruit juices."
Cool facts: How to keep yourself hydrated
- Drink water which is at room temperature. If you drink chilled water, you actually consume less.
- When exercising, drink one litre of water for every hour of activity.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables - they have a high water content and are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Coffee, strong tea and some soft drinks should be avoided.
- A slice of lemon or lime can be added to water, to make it more palatable.
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