July 18th 2024.
As the UK prepares for a scorching heatwave this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar up to 31°C in some areas, it's a welcome change for sun lovers. However, along with the excitement of sunshine and warmth, there also comes cautionary warnings.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for London and the east of England, in effect from 5pm today until 11pm on Saturday, July 20. This is due to concerns for vulnerable groups who may be at risk in the high temperatures, as well as the potential strain on healthcare services with the increased demand for relief from the heat.
In addition to the usual advice to avoid the midday sun and wear sunscreen, there is another unexpected recommendation to help combat the effects of a heatwave: milk. While it may not be the first choice for quenching thirst during the summer months, Dr. Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks, claims that milk may actually be more hydrating than water.
With its combination of protein, sugar, and fat, milk helps to keep the body hydrated for longer periods of time. This is due to the slower rate at which fluid empties from the stomach when consuming milk. Additionally, milk contains sodium which helps the body retain water for a longer period, aiding in hydration levels.
But it's not just cow's milk that can provide these benefits. Even those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant can benefit from plant-based milk alternatives, as they also contain electrolytes that aid in rehydration.
In addition to milk, Dr. Natasha recommends other hydrating foods such as watermelon, coconut water, cucumbers or cucumber juice, and diluted fresh fruit juices. These can help to keep the body cool and hydrated during hot weather.
Sweating is an important part of the body's natural cooling process, and it's why a hot drink can actually help to cool you down on a warm day. This may seem counterintuitive, but as neuroscientist Peter McNaughton explains, the hot drink triggers the body's systemic cooling mechanisms, which can be more effective than the actual heat of the drink.
However, there is a caveat to this. In order for the sweat to effectively cool the body, it needs to be able to evaporate on the skin. So if the air is too humid or you're wearing heavy clothing, the hot drink may not have the desired cooling effect.
So instead of reaching for a milky cup of tea, it may be best to stick with just milk when trying to beat the heat. Do you have any tips for staying cool during a heatwave? Share your story by emailing us at email. Stay hydrated and stay cool!
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