Medical Specialist Issues Alert to Russians Regarding Dangers of Consuming Alcohol During Warm Weather
Laying Off the Booze in the Heat: Why It's important and How Much is Too Much
Summertime festivities often involve a cold drink in hand, but spare a thought for your health before you reach for that sweating pint. Yaroslav Askihmin, a therapist and cardiologist, speaking to "Lenta.ru," has issued a stern warning about the dangers of alcohol consumption in hot weather.
According to Askihmin, the heat serves to amplify the effects of alcohol intoxication. After a few drinks, your blood vessels dilate, increasing the risk of heatstroke, fainting, and heat-related psychoses. So, let's take a closer look at why you should curb your drinking when the mercury rises.
The Short and the Long of It
Firstly, limitations apply to the consumption of alcohol in hot weather. Askihmin suggests no more than a single glass of wine per day in such conditions. He also recommends reducing overall alcohol intake to one bottle of quality wine per week. However, he stresses that avoiding alcohol altogether is the healthiest option.
While Askihmin didn't make direct comments regarding available data, we can still delve into the clinical reasoning behind his advice.
In hot weather, alcohol's diuretic properties cause increased urine production, leading to severe dehydration. This is particularly risky when the body is already sweating to cool down, making individuals more susceptible to dehydration. Heat exhaustion and stroke become more likely, as alcohol impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature, potentially masking symptoms of dehydration like thirst and dizziness.
Moreover, dehydration and heat stress can strain the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to organ dysfunction over time. This could even worsen pre-existing heart and kidney conditions. Individuals with these conditions should be especially vigilant about their alcohol consumption in hot weather.
Beating the Heat - Tips for Staying Hydrated
To minimize risks, follow these tips:
- Skip the booze and opt for water or other hydrating beverages when the mercury rises.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and take small sips throughout the day.
- Add water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber to your diet.
- Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks as they can exacerbate dehydration.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sunshine in moderation!
In line with the medical expert's advice, it's essential to limit alcohol consumption during hot weather due to its effects on mental health, health-and-wellness, and therapies-and-treatments. Specifically, Askihmin suggests no more than one glass of wine per day and one bottle of quality wine per week, but the safest option is to avoid alcohol altogether in hot weather due to its diuretic properties and potential risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and stroke. Individuals with pre-existing heart and kidney conditions should be especially mindful of their alcohol consumption in hot weather.
