Why hydrate more regularly in summer?

Summer 2021 is fast approaching and at this time of year, our bodies are put to the test to cope with the increases in temperature. The heat waves that punctuate the summer have a real impact on our body and more particularly its hydration level, which drops much more quickly with the high temperatures. It is therefore important to remain vigilant because the risks of dehydration are real and there is only one solution to avoid its inconveniences: hydrate more and better. Let's see together what are the effects of a rise in temperature on our body and how to deal with it.

The impact of high heat on our body: Thermoregulation and dehydration.

• During heat waves, our body must implement various mechanisms to maintain its temperature at around 37.5°C. Faced with a sudden increase in temperature, it then triggers a series of physiological processes: this is called thermoregulation.
• First, the blood vessels dilate. This dilation allows heat to be conducted to the skin and facilitates thermal exchanges with the outside: the blood is cooled. This adaptation of the body to heat represents cooling by convection. Heat is transferred to the outside environment.
• What is the role of sweating in summer? The most effective mechanism for dealing with heat remains sweating. It is an essential phenomenon which, in addition to playing a role in thermoregulation, allows the elimination of many metabolic wastes. Sweating involves the sweat glands which produce sweat. In case of heat, these become active and cover the skin with a thin film of sweat, bringing it freshness, but it is by evaporating that the sweat will allow the dissipation of heat. We sweat on average 0.5 to 1 liter of sweat per day, which increases to 4 liters per day in case of high heat . Sweat is mainly composed of water, but also of electrolytes, namely, sodium at a rate of 70 mmol/L and chlorine at a rate of 55 mmol/L. This is why sweat has a salty taste!
  [ what is sweating for ]
  [ the composition of sweat ]

• In case of high temperatures, it happens that the body finds itself overwhelmed and cannot maintain its body temperature. A lack of water and electrolytes is enough to limit the production of sweat, which will then be insufficient to lower the internal temperature, you risk heat stroke.
• As you will have understood, during a heatwave, your worst enemy is dehydration, here are the signs:
  The most obvious sign of dehydration is thirst . This is a message from your brain telling you that your body needs water.
  In case of a greater lack of water, your mucous membranes (mouth, lips) are dry , you feel tired and have cramps .
  The amount you urinate is also a good indicator of your hydration level, if it is low you need to rehydrate.

Additionally, since the human body is made up of 60% water, losing more than 5% of your total weight can be a sign of severe dehydration.
Finally, headaches , neurological disturbances such as confusion , dizziness or disorientation are also indicators of insufficient fluid intake.

If you experience these symptoms, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

[ symptoms of dehydration ]

• In addition to these unpleasant symptoms and the risk of hyperthermia , the consequences of dehydration on your body do not stop there. A significant loss of water also leads to a significant loss of electrolytes, and more particularly sodium. However, the latter plays a key role since it is involved in maintaining blood pressure, contributes to the proper functioning of nerves and muscles and regulates the body's water balance. A lack of sodium, also called hyponatremia*, can therefore cause hypotension, mental confusion or even involuntary muscle contractions and convulsions.

[ symptoms of hyponatremia]

 

• *Hyponatremia is one of the most commonly observed hydroelectric abnormalities, but what does it actually mean?
  The sodium concentration in the blood is normally between 135 and 145 mmol/L, if it is less than 135 mmol/L we speak of hyponatremia: drop in sodium in the blood. Conversely, if its concentration is greater than 145 mmol/L we speak of hypernatremia: increase in sodium in the blood. These two states (hypo and hypernatremia) will have consequences on the distribution of water in the body. Indeed, water is distributed in the body between the intra and extracellular environment, that is to say inside the cells and outside.
  
  

In the case of hyponatremia, an imbalance forms between water and sodium: the blood is less rich in sodium and richer in water. The water will then move from the most concentrated medium (the blood) to the least concentrated medium (the cell) to restore its concentration balance. The problem is that this leakage of water from the blood to the intracellular medium leads to extracellular dehydration.

[ hyponatremia: what is it?]

Tips for staying hydrated during the summer

To stay healthy during a heatwave, it is necessary to compensate for water and electrolyte losses by maintaining a sufficient intake. The body cannot store water because it uses it continuously in the processes of breathing, sweating and also in the elimination of waste via urine. It is therefore necessary to compensate for this daily use by hydrating regularly throughout the day.

The Hydratis formula is the ideal solution to meet your needs and prevent dehydration during hot weather. Hydratis is the first solution suitable for children aged 3 and over to hydrate effectively. Its tablets enriched with electrolytes to be diluted in a glass of water, allow your body to compensate for the loss of water and minerals ( see the BFM interview ). With the help of natural and fruity aromas, hydration becomes a real pleasure, even for those who don't like water!