a day ago
Expert reveals surprising beverage you should be drinlking to cool down in the heatwave
As some Britons experience 35C during the UK's heatwave this week, many people will be looking for the best ways to cool down.
While most reach for fans, ice lollies and cold showers, Dr Stuart Galloway, of the University of Stirling in Scotland, revealed that indulging in a post-work pint could actually be helpful.
Despite alcohol typically being discouraged in hot weather due to its dehydrating effects, Dr Galloway suggested that enjoying a cold pint in moderation could actually offer some cooling benefits.
He claimed that the high water content and electrolytes in beer can actually boost fluid levels.
However, before you sprint to the pub and order six lagers, Dr Galloway was quick to point out that too much booze in the heat can backfire.
Responding to a viral discussion on X, formerly Twitter, on how to beat the heat, Dr Galloway told Femail that any beneficial effect is likely to be lost if you drink more than two pints.
The discussion was prompted by Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts, an Australian living in England, when she shared her 10-stage plan for beating dehydration in a heatwave online.
'If you are dehydrated (and an adult, and able to do so) drink a half a pint of beer (inc. alcohol free!) and then move straight onto water (or a sports drink or cordial if you don't like water),' she wrote.
Naturally, the thread filled with comments from people asking why she had recommended drinking beer, because alcohol is known to have a diuretic effect.
However, beer contains electrolytes, sugar and salt, all of which help the body to uptake and retain fluid, rather than it going straight through you.
Granted, other drinks, such as sports beverages, contain all of these too.
But if all you've got in the fridge is a can of lager, a small amount of beer followed by plenty of water could actually be the best thing for you.
Dr Stuart Galloway, who is Aqua Pura's hydration expert, confirmed to Femail that beer can count as part of your daily intake of fluids.
'With the UK in the midst of a heatwave, it's important that people ensure they're staying hydrated and keep their fluid levels topped up to avoid any unwanted health issues,' he said
'Beer has a relatively high water content and contains some electrolytes, so if a small amount is consumed as part of your daily fluid intake alongside non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, beer can be part of a plan to keep you hydrated during the heatwave.
'However, you should be aware that alcoholic drinks will lead to dehydration if you drink more than one or two servings.
'With beer in particular, if you drink more than two pints, it will most likely have a negative effect on your hydration status.'
The expert also explained that the same rule applies to coffee and tea, too.
He explained: 'A similar situation occurs with caffeinated drinks, for example, a black coffee is mostly boiling water so this makes up part of your daily water intake.
'The dehydration effect of caffeine starts to kick in after around a litre of regular coffee. Up until then it can be classed as part of your daily intake of water.
'So, the best and healthiest way to ensure you're meeting your water requirements during hot weather is by drinking still or sparkling water.'
How to avoid dehydration if you drink alcohol in a heatwave
Alcohol is a diuretic that causes you to urinate more, and can leave you severely dehydrated.
'Alcohol makes us pee more and more frequently, and fluid leaving our bodies at this rate can lead to dehydration if not replaced,' Drink Aware explains.
'It is important to replace lost fluid by drinking water if we choose to drink alcohol.
'The effects of dehydration include feeling thirsty, dizzy, lightheaded and tired, experiencing a dry mouth and lips and dark yellow and strong-smelling pee.'
Alcohol also causes the blood vessels in your skin to dilate, making you feel hotter.
