Heatwave alert: it’s hot, you’re thirsty… be careful, drinking too much water at once can be dangerous

As temperatures of up to 41 °C are expected this weekend of August 11, 2024, one of the first pieces of advice is to drink water, but not just any old water. Because drinking a lot of water in too short a time can be dangerous.

With the high temperatures, it is essential to continue to hydrate throughout the day. Since the body is composed of 60% to 65% water, it needs to be supplied with it, according to the Water Information Center website.

A moderate water temperature

However, there are a few recommendations to know. One of the first things to know is that once you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated.

So, you should avoid waiting for this feeling to drink. It is advisable to consume water at a moderate temperature, regularly and in small quantities throughout the day.

Avoid drinking more than 5 liters of water per day

In general, you should avoid drinking more than 5 liters of water per day. Like an alcoholic coma, there is the water coma, caused by excessive consumption of water in too short a time. In this case, the kidneys do not have time to drain all the water and this can cause headaches and even fatal poisoning.

It is therefore recommended to drink 1.3 liters to 2 liters of water per day. Quantities may vary depending on the profile. Infants and fragile people may have different needs. Furthermore, even if the heat can cut hunger, it is important to eat well.