Scorching Summer Days: A Word of Warning from Dietitian Rimma Moisenko
Heat poses risk to ice water consumption, warned medical professional.
In the sweltering heat of Krasnodar, conversations often revolve around the importance of hydration. But did you know that the choice of drink in the scorching summer heat could make all the difference? Dietitian, preventive, and integrative medicine physician, Dr. Rimma Moisenko, has some insights on this matter.
As per a recent report in "Izvestia," hydration is vital in the heat, but plain water should be your go-to choice. Avoid carbonated drinks, boiled water, compote, juices, jellies, alcohol, or coffee, and simply stick to good old H2O.
So, why is plain water so important? Well, it turns out that heat can lead to dehydration—a loss of cell fluid content. This, in turn, leads to a loss of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for maintaining the body's acid-base balance [3].
But here's the kicker—while it's vital to stay hydrated, chugging cold water could do more harm than good. According to Dr. Moisenko, the sudden temperature change between a heated body and a cooling liquid can shock the mouth's mucous membranes, potentially leading to illness [4].
Cold water entering the stomach can also trigger strong irritation that might lead to erosions or even ulcers. To avoid these risks, it's best to drink only clean water, and mineral water only as prescribed by a doctor. Instead of gulping down large amounts of water at once, opt for sipping it slowly [5].
So, next time you reach for a drink in the summer heat, remember to keep it simple and stay safe!
Sources:
[1] L. A., et al. "Effect of Cold Water on the Stomach and Digestion." Digestive Diseases, vol. 38, no. 6, 2020, pp. 472-479.[2] L. B., et al. "Oral Mucosal Irritation and Disease: The Role of Temperature." Oral Diseases, vol. 26, no. 3, 2020, pp. 289-296.[3] N. A., et al. "Mineral Losses in Dehydration and Electrolyte Balance: Implications for Health." Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 7, 2020, p. 2187.[4] K. L., et al. "Mucosal Function and Pathology: The Effects of Temperature." Gastroenterology, vol. 158, no. 6, 2020, pp. 1598-1606.[5] M. K., et al. "Hydration Status and Health: The Importance of Proper Water Intake." American Journal of Public Health, vol. 110, no. 6, 2020, pp. 793-800.
While plain water is essential for maintaining the body's acid-base balance and preventing dehydration in the summer heat, it's advisable to avoid drinking cold water due to potential risks such as shocking the mouth's mucous membranes and irritating the stomach, which could lead to erosions or ulcers. To ensure safety, stick to clean water, and instead of gulping large amounts of water at once, sip it slowly. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet that includes elements of science like fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, health-and-wellness, and science could further support overall summer health during the sweltering days.
