August 13th 2024.
As the UK experienced a heatwave with temperatures reaching a scorching 34°C in some areas, it was officially declared as the hottest day of the year so far. This news brought joy to sun-lovers who have been waiting for summer to make its grand entrance after a damp start to the season. However, along with the warm weather comes a warning from the UK Health Security Agency. The agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the Midlands and southern England, which is still in effect this morning and may continue throughout the week.
The government body has alerted that vulnerable groups must take extra precautions due to the intense heat. They also mentioned that the rise in temperature can lead to indoor environments becoming unbearably hot, which can put a strain on healthcare services in the region. In addition to staying out of the midday sun and using sunscreen, the public is advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
But before you reach for your water bottle, a doctor has claimed that there's an even better option when it comes to managing a heatwave – milk. Yes, you read that right. Milk may actually be a pretty good choice, contrary to what Ron Burgundy famously claimed in the movie Anchorman.
According to Dr. Natasha Fernando, the medical director at Medichecks, milk may be more hydrating than water. She explains that the combination of protein, sugar, and fat in milk helps to keep the body hydrated for longer periods. This is because these components slow down the rate at which fluids leave the stomach. Additionally, milk also contains sodium, which helps the body retain water for a longer time, thus aiding in hydration.
And for those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant, don't worry, you can still reap the benefits of milk. Plant-based alternatives like soy milk also contain electrolytes that aid in rehydration. Dr. Fernando also suggests other options to stay cool and hydrated, such as watermelons, coconut water, cucumbers or cucumber juice, and diluted fresh fruit juices.
You may have heard that drinking a hot beverage on a warm day can actually cool you down, and there is some truth to it. As neuroscientist Peter McNaughton explains, hot drinks activate the body's cooling mechanisms, causing you to sweat and thus lowering your body temperature. This is also why spicy foods are popular in hot countries, as they induce sweating and activate cooling mechanisms. However, for this method to work effectively, your sweat needs to be able to evaporate from your skin. If the air is too humid or you're wearing heavy clothing, then drinking a hot beverage may not have the desired effect.
So instead of reaching for a hot cup of tea, it's probably best to stick with a cool glass of milk. And maybe, just maybe, Ron Burgundy was wrong about milk being a bad choice. This article was originally published on July 18, 2024.
Do you have a story to share about your experience with the heatwave? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at [insert email address here]. Stay cool and hydrated, folks!
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