Doctor says drinking beer will help you make it through the heatwave

• Doctor advises drinking beer to stay hydrated,
• The heatwave has been getting worse.
• “Beer can be part of a plan to keep you hydrated during the heatwave.”

In recent weeks the heatwave has been hitting different countries, which have already issued climate alerts for the high temperatures. It is worth mentioning that several deaths due to the intense heat have already been reported. Children are especially vulnerable to scorching temperatures.

Heat stroke occurs when you don’t address heat exhaustion, the least serious of the medical conditions related to high temps. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, weakness, cool, pale, clammy skin. It can also lead to fainting and vomiting, so it is advisable to stay well hydrated.

Is beer good for surviving the heatwave?

A doctor recently tweeted that beer can help with hydration. Something that was not fully approved by his colleagues, because health care workers rarely make such recommendations. In fact, doctors generally do not recommend drinking alcohol on a hot day, according to New York Post.

Academic Ellie Mackin Roberts sparked a now-viral debate when she recently tweeted 10 steps to help beat the heat. Tip #9 said: “If you are dehydrated (and an adult, and able to do so) drink a half a pint of beer (inc. alcohol free!) and then move straight onto water (or a sports drink or cordial if you don’t like water).» Filed Under: Heat Wave Beer

“To stay hydrated during the day”

However, Dr Stuart Galloway, from the University of Stirling, told Femail that beer contains electrolytes, sugar and salt, which help the body retain fluids rather than sweating them out. «Beer has a relatively high water content and contains some electrolytes,» he began.

«[S]o if a small amount is consumed as part of your daily fluid intake alongside non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, beer can be part of a plan to keep you hydrated during the heatwave,» Galloway, who also serves as the resident hydration expert at UK bottled water brand Aqua Pura, said. Filed Under: Heat Wave Beer

Warning

Similarly, he issued a warning about excess consumption: «However, you should be aware that alcoholic drinks will lead to dehydration if you drink more than one or two servings,» he continued. «With beer in particular, if you drink more than two pints, it will most likely have a negative effect on your hydration status.»

Sports drinks work too, as they, like beer, contain electrolytes, salt, and sugar, but definitely avoid hot coffee and tea. Caffeinated beverages can absorb much of the body’s daily water intake, the doctor told The New York Post. Filed Under: Heat Wave Beer