With temperatures on the rise and very extreme heatwaves, our bodies tend to go into overdrive as they try to cool down through perspiration and evaporation. This is why, during the summer, our bodies need more water and electrolytes to keep working properly.
Extreme hot can cause our bodies to lose more fluids than are consumed, which can lead to dehydration. However, dehydration is not only caused by not drinking enough fluids. It can also be the effect of eating or drinking diuretic foods or beverages.
So, to make sure that you’re adequately hydrated, try to avoid consuming the following foods and drinks—especially when it’s so hot out.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is a natural diuretic and causes our bodies to expel water from our cells. Although cold beer is a popular summer drink, in very high temperatures it will dehydrate you much faster.
- Chips and other salty snacks
Potato chips, popcorn, or pretzels are not great for the body in any case, but they can even be detrimental to our hydration levels. Eating too much sodium causes strain on our kidneys and our body to pull water from our cells.
Try swapping processed foods for homemade alternatives, such as baby carrots dipped in hummus, for a crunchy and satisfying snack.
- Diuretic herbs and vegetables
Although generally very healthy foods, parsley, asparagus, and beets are among some of the most powerful vegetable diuretics. They can cause our bodies to expel fluids very fast, which is why it might be better to swap them for more gentle leafy greens, like spinach.
- Fried foods and frozen meals
Not only their nutritional value is quite poor, but they are also very hard on the body. They contain very little water and are high in sodium and fat. Fatty foods are very high in calories, which can make your digestion more difficult, making your body even more sensitive to the hot temperatures outside.
- Sugary treats
Sugar can have the same effect on the kidneys as salt does. To compensate for the excessive amount of sugar running in our blood, the kidneys try to pull fluid from elsewhere. Sodas, processed juice, chocolates, and sweets are among the worst foods and beverages to consume to prevent dehydration.
- Too much protein
High protein diets might not be the best to palliate extremely hot weather. Whether it comes from red or white meat, eating a lot of protein causes our kidney function to become abnormal, having perhaps the same effects as eating a lot of fat or salt.
Cured meats like bacon, salami, and prosciutto are among the worst combination as they are high in all dehydrating substances: protein, fat, and salt.
So, whenever having a protein-rich meal, make sure to have a side of fresh veggies and plenty of water.
- Soy sauce
Very often overlooked, soy sauce can contain up to 900 mg of sodium per serving. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg of daily sodium intake. This puts a tablespoon of soy sauce at already more than half the recommended daily sodium consumption.
Other high sodium foods easily overlooked are miso, mayo, and mustard.
