Six red flag symptoms of a heat-related condition to watch out for

Health experts have issued a warning of six key symptoms of dehydration to watch out for as temperatures soar across the UK. It comes after the UK’s Met Office and Health Safety Agency issued a heat health alert in light of temperatures forecast to exceed 30C this week.

Doctors at NowPatient have provided a list of six common markers of dehydration, along with five tips to ensure adequate hydration during a heat wave.

Navin Khosla, pharmacist at NowPatient, said: “Much of the UK is experiencing high temperatures and, while this is welcome news for many, it can pose a serious health risk to those in the vulnerable category, which is why it’s essential to stay hydrated, stay in the shade and apply sunscreen throughout the day.

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“Staying hydrated is key to feeling fit and healthy during these hot spells and you shouldn’t take drinking water for granted in a heatwave – it really is essential. I would try to recommend drinking 20% ​​more than your usual intake and replacing tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks and sugary drinks with water.

“This change may not be to everyone’s taste, so you could add flavor to your drinks with fruit, while milk and smoothies are also good options to help fill in the lack of fluids.

“Some of the advice I can give you is perhaps more direct and I cannot stress enough the importance of checking your urine. This may not be a common thought for most people, but the color and smell of urine is a key indicator when it comes to dehydration and should become obvious if it is dark yellow in color and has a strong smell.”, reports the Express.

Six signs of dehydration include:

• Sensation of thirst.
• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.
• Dry mouth.
• Dark yellow, strong-smelling pee

Five tips to help you stay hydrated during a heatwave

1. It is vital to be hydrated from the start of the day, especially if you are working in the heat. Hydrate before work so you don’t fall behind for the day; if you only drink when you’re thirsty, you’re already behind on fluid consumption, increasing the chances of heat exhaustion. Try to drink at least 20% more than your usual intake to make up for fluids lost through sweat.
2. Eating can be a struggle during a heat wave, as the body craves any liquid more than anything in these conditions, but there are plenty of options to supplement that need for water. Fruits like cantaloupe and nectarines are recommended, as are leafy greens like spinach, and to the surprise of many, spicy foods can be beneficial!
3. During periods of intense heat, sports drinks can serve as a vital source of fuel and rehydration due to the electrolytes and minerals they contain. These drinks are especially beneficial during intense exercise sessions that exceed 60 minutes. To help beat the heat, try changing your workout to early morning or late evening.
4. It is essential to be cautious about drinking tea, coffee, alcohol and sugar-laden drinks during a hot spell, as these could put your health at risk. Both alcohol and caffeine work as “diuretics” by stimulating urine production, thus leading to dehydration.
5. Monitoring urine color is a simple but effective way to measure hydration levels. When properly hydrated, urine should be clear or pale yellow in color, but if inadequately hydrated, urine can become dark in color and have a strong odor. Using the bathroom less than four times a day during a heat wave is another dramatic sign of dehydration. If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to increase your fluid intake.