In this weather, we'll do almost anything to stay a little bit cooler.
With temperatures set to hit record highs today (41 degrees in some areas!) - we're all looking to eat and drink things that will be beneficial to us.
In a heatwave, according to research carried out by Forbes, there are certain foods and drinks you should be avoiding to stay as hydrated as possible.
Asparagus
Asparagus is not hydrating because it is a natural diuretic which rids the body of excess fluid — meaning you need to wee more and you lose the fluid that you consume.
Diuretics also help your body to get rid of salt, so are useful for the body, but should be consumed in moderation.
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Salty snacks
Very tasty, but not good in a heatwave. Too much salt isn't ideal for your kidneys, so limiting salt intake is important for overall health.
Bread
Bread, although not terribly high in salt per slice, is one of the most common reasons behind people having too much salt in their diet. Bread is often used at all mealtimes and even for snacks, so can add up to a high salt intake.
Cured meats
Cured meats are often heavily coated in salt. The kidneys overcompensate when there is too much salt in the bloodstream, and pull water from elsewhere in the body, leading to dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water if you are indulging in a little antipasti this summer.
Sugary treats
When you consume sugar, the kidneys react similarly to when they encounter salt and pull water from other parts of the body, as the kidneys don’t want excess sugar in your bloodstream.
The best and most hydrating foods are cucumber, iceberg lettuce, radish, watermelon and tomato - maybe it's time to have a salad for your lunch.
Drinks to avoid are caffeine, alcohol, hot chocolate, energy drinks and smoothies - as they all dehydrate you.
You probably assumed that the fruit and vegetable content in smoothies would provide lots of water and therefore hydration, but the high level of sugar means it has the opposite effect, so it's best to stick to water.
If you're not a fan of drinking just water, try infusing it with fruits you enjoy.
If you don't stay hydrated, you may feel thirsty. When you notice you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated, so sipping on fluid and eating hydrating foods throughout the day to avoid ever feeling thirsty is the best way to avoid dehydration altogether.
What's your favourite way to stay hydrated in the heatwave? Let us know in the comments.
