What tips to beat the summer heat?

Episodes of high heat are happening more and more frequently and are hard on the body, although it has a natural system to combat temperature rises. Despite this, some are less able to withstand high temperatures, while others are particularly vulnerable to them. Fortunately, there are solutions to help the body adapt and avoid all the inconveniences that the heat can cause. Before giving you the tricks to deal with it, let's see how the body adapts to rising temperatures and what inconvenience they can cause.

Nature is well done since the body has mechanisms to maintain its constant temperature, even when it is hot. Man is a so-called homeothermic being, that is to say he has the ability to maintain a constant average temperature, which is close to 37.5 degrees. For this, it is equipped with a thermoregulation system which engages if the outside temperature tends to threaten the balance of the internal temperature.

In the event of high temperatures, the body sets up a series of thermal exchanges in order to cause a loss of heat and therefore to cool the body. There are 4 main types of heat exchange:

- Evaporation: this is probably the best known means of cooling for the general public. This heat exchange is possible thanks to perspiration: a thin film of sweat is formed on the skin, bringing it freshness. But it is by evaporating that the sweat will allow the dissipation of heat and therefore the cooling of the body. Moreover, this perspiration can be excessive if it is very hot. It then causes itching and small pimples on the skin.

- Radiation: Man is able to cool himself simply by emitting radiation, it is this radiation that is visible in an infrared camera.

- Convection: in the face of heat, we observe a dilation of the blood vessels. This dilation conducts heat to the skin and facilitates heat exchange with the outside: the blood is cooled. In other words, there is a transfer of heat to the external environment.

- Conduction: This heat exchange is very simple, in contact with an object having a temperature lower than that of the body, we observe a transfer of heat from the hottest environment to the one which is the least. That's why it's not uncommon to see your pet slumped on the cool tile floor during the summer.

The degree of efficiency of the thermoregulation system is intra-individual, some tolerate heat better than others. Despite an effective thermoregulation system, heat has a significant impact on the body.

The major disorder caused by high temperatures on the body is dehydration. The clinical signs are numerous and easily identifiable. She provokes :

- A feeling of thirst

- Dries the mucous membranes (pasty mouth)

- Headaches

- Very tired.

- Weight loss: reflects a lack of water in the body because it represents 60% of body mass in adults.

- Hypotension: water is the main component of blood, a drop in water in the body leads to a drop in blood volume. The blood supply is reduced, which can have deleterious consequences for the organs that no longer have a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients.

- Significant decrease in physical energy

Dehydration is a lack of water and mineral salts. This causes a series of symptoms, listed above, but it has another serious consequence for the organism. Indeed, it will no longer be able to cool itself effectively since it will no longer be able to produce sweat which requires both water and electrolytes. The physical thermoregulatory system can no longer use evaporation to lose heat and risk heatstroke. Symptoms of heat stroke are:

- Severe headache

- Fever

- Nausea and vomiting

- Vertigo

- Behavior disorder

Rehydration and lowering body temperature become vital. This heat stroke can be fatal for people particularly at risk from heat. This is the case of infants, young children and the elderly because these age categories are more sensitive to dehydration.

· In infants and young children, this is due to a higher proportion of water in the body: it reaches 75%. Thus, skin water loss is increased. They also have a higher metabolism, which leads to greater water loss. They therefore need much more frequent water intake compared to adults, but many children do not have the reflex to drink and infants can hardly communicate the feeling of thirst.

· In seniors, the proportion of water in the body is reduced, it reaches 50%. Similarly, with age, there is a loss of the feeling of thirst which can be very dangerous since the elderly person will not realize their state of dehydration and will not have the reflex to hydrate themselves sufficiently. .

Finally, the heat upsets the body physically but also mentally. It affects the brain and causes a decline in cognitive functions leading to a drop in productivity. It also impacts morale and can cause anxiety, nervousness, a decrease in the quality of sleep (insomnia). In the long term, these effects can lead to depression. Fortunately, there are many effective solutions to cool down and be able to cope with temperature rises.

The most effective way to avoid the undesirable effects of heat is hydration. If the thermometer climbs, it is essential to increase your water consumption throughout the day. This means increasing the water intake but also their frequency. Be careful, however, not to drink too much, because too much water can also be harmful to the body. The optimal amount of water is between 1.5 and 2.5 liters of water per day for a sedentary individual. Do not wait for the feeling of thirst to hydrate, because it is already a sign of dehydration. To reach this quota, there are many tricks such as putting ice cubes in your drinks but also drinking tea or water flavored with lemon zest, for example. Water consumption also goes through food, especially through fresh fruits and vegetables which are both rich in water and minerals.

Hydration is facilitated thanks to the Hydratis solution which contains a precise formula allowing an adequate supply of minerals and trace elements which promotes maximum absorption of water. The body is rehydrated faster and more efficiently than with drinking water alone. With the help of its senior range, thought out and designed for the elderly, Hydratis also provides enhanced hydration for people who particularly need it.

To fight against the heat, in addition to hydration, it is also advisable to cool down, to help the body maintain its temperature:

- Nothing better than taking reasonably cold showers, moistening your face and neck with an atomizer or spraying yourself with water. With a thin film of cool water on the skin, the body can accentuate the phenomenon of evaporation to lower its temperature.

- It is also advisable to eat light in order to reduce the digestive load. Digestion causes the body to consume a lot of energy and water, which it is therefore possible to save by eating easily digestible foods such as vegetables.

- You can also favor clothes made of light material, such as linen, which will promote air circulation

- Above all, stay cool: lower the shutters during the day and avoid going out and playing sports during the hottest hours.

The most effective way to protect yourself against the heat, whatever the time of year, is hydration. At all times, it is therefore advisable to maintain your level of hydration in an optimal manner, and more particularly, for the people most sensitive to heat: children and the elderly. Hydratis is the first solution adapted from the age of 3 to hydrate effectively and which facilitates hydration for seniors. It allows faster assimilation of liquids and is adapted to the physiological constraints of older people. Do not let the heat of the sun hinder your well-being with the help of Hydratis lozenges with natural and fruity aromas.