Latest news with #dehydration
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Health officials urge Americans not to drink alcohol in 18 states: 'Could lead to permanent disability'
Health officials urge Americans not to drink alcohol in 18 states: 'Could lead to permanent disability' Health officials have warned people living in the south and Midwest to steer clear of alcohol this week due to 'extremely dangerous heat conditions.' The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a statement this week about severe heatwaves in 18 states, where temperatures could reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in the coming days. The temperatures are part of a 'heat dome' enveloping the US, which occurs when the atmosphere traps hot air over certain areas like a lid on a pot. The NWS warned alcoholic beverages act as diuretics, meaning they tell the body to produce and pass more urine. Increased urination causes the body to lose fluids, and if those fluids can't be replaced, the body becomes dehydrated. Without enough fluids, blood volume in the body diminishes, damaging the kidneys, heart, brain and other vital organs. High temperatures mixed with dehydration can lead to heat stroke, which the CDC warns could cause 'permanent disability.' Coffee and sodas have the same mechanism, so health authorities recommend opting for water or sports drinks instead. NWS also suggested limiting outdoor activities, opting for water instead of alcohol or sodas and wearing light clothing. The National Weather Service warned not to drink alcohol in extreme heat (stock image) The warning comes as heat-related deaths in the US have doubled in the past 25 years and could even triple in the next 50 due to gradually increasing temperatures. Around 1,200 Americans die from heat-related causes every year, though officials note the actual number could be 10-fold higher due to underreporting. As of Monday, extreme heat warnings, which the NWS issues when 'extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring,' were put in place for parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. The agency said heat index values, which measure how hot it feels to the human body when taking both temperature and humidity into account, were expected to surpass 100 degrees in these areas. Parts of Mississippi were even expected 115-degree heat. Less severe 'heat advisories' were issued this week for South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Diuretic drinks like alcohol tell the kidneys to release more water and produce more urine, which helps the body get rid of excess fluid. But in hot temperatures, the body is already losing fluid due to sweating, so diuretics could drain the body of fluids faster than they can be replaced. In response, blood volume decreases, which means not enough of it can flow to vital organs. This makes sweating, which cools the body down, less effective and makes the body's internal temperature increase. This leads to heat stroke, which causes nausea, vomiting, a rapid pulse, loss of consciousness and organ failure. NWS said on X: 'Dangerous heat in the southeast on Saturday will begin to build into the mid-Mississippi Valley and Midwest by early in the upcoming workweek. 'Major and Extreme HeatRisk are designated for conditions not only to vulnerable populations but also anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.' The agency has also warned earlier this summer against eating meals high in protein during a heat advisory. Compared to carbohydrates and fats, protein takes more energy to digest into amino acid, meaning the body burns more calories. This generates heat. Body temperature increases as a result, a process called diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). This could explain why eating protein-rich foods might cause 'meat sweats.' NWS suggested skipping chicken and steak and instead opting for foods with high water content like watermelon, berries, melons and cucumbers.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Smart wearable tracks your hydration in real time
We all know staying hydrated is important, but most of us don't actually track how much water we need. The signs of dehydration, like dizziness, fatigue, or confusion, can creep in before you even realize you're in trouble. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already behind. That's what makes the new wearable hydration sensor so valuable. Instead of guessing, this device provides real-time data, allowing you to stay ahead of dehydration, rather than just react to it. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, the sensor is designed to detect early signs of dehydration using a method called bioimpedance. This method sends a small, painless electrical current through your bicep and measures how easily that current flows through your tissue. Because water is a good conductor of electricity, well-hydrated tissue lets the current pass easily. When you're dehydrated, your tissues resist the current, and the sensor detects that. The sensor connects wirelessly to a smartphone app, delivering instant feedback about your hydration level. You don't have to stop what you're doing or wait for lab results. The data is continuous and always available. This isn't just cool tech, it's practical. For athletes pushing through workouts in the heat, the sensor could help them avoid fatigue or cramping. For firefighters or police officers wearing heavy gear in scorching temperatures, it offers a way to stay safe on the job. Even office workers who forget to drink water during long meetings could benefit from a reminder when their hydration levels drop. The researchers believe the wearable hydration sensor could also play a major role in health care. Patients with kidney problems or cardiovascular issues often need to monitor hydration closely. Until now, that meant invasive tests or relying on symptoms. This sensor could make hydration tracking simple, accurate, and non-invasive. To make sure the sensor really works, the research team ran controlled experiments. They had participants take a diuretic to promote fluid loss and tracked hydration using the sensor. At the same time, they collected urine samples to confirm results. The sensor's data closely matched the chemical markers in the samples. That means the technology is not only accurate, but it can also be trusted even during normal daily activities like walking or working. Study co-author Matija Jankovic explained that arm bioimpedance was highly sensitive to changes in hydration. It also aligned with whole-body hydration, making it a reliable alternative to traditional testing. Standard ways of checking hydration, like urine tests or blood work, are time-consuming and not practical for everyday use. Some commercial tools already exist, but they tend to be bulky or require users to stay in one spot. They're just not built for real life. That's where this sensor has the edge. It's compact, portable, and constantly running in the background. It works while you move, exercise, or even just sit at your desk. Right now, the sensor tracks relative changes in hydration, which is a powerful tool on its own. But the research team wants to take it further. They plan to collect data from a larger population to create baseline values for absolute hydration levels. This step would make the device even more accurate and personal. They're also exploring new wearable designs, such as breathable e-tattoos and sweat-wicking sensors, that could offer better comfort and longer wear. Future models might track hydration in other areas of the body, like the forearm or thigh. The team is optimistic that these innovations will make hydration tracking even more seamless and accessible. Lead researcher Nanshu Lu, who has worked on similar wearable health tech in the past, says this is only the beginning. Her vision is to bring simple, real-time hydration tracking to everyone, no matter their lifestyle or profession. Staying hydrated just got a whole lot easier. With a wearable hydration sensor, you no longer have to rely on guesswork or vague reminders to drink water. Whether you're powering through a workout, focused on a demanding job, or just caught up in a busy day, this device keeps tabs on your hydration status in real time. That means you get clear, instant feedback-before dehydration slows you down. While this technology is still in the research and development phase, the early results are promising. It's not yet available to the public, but the groundwork is in place. Once it moves into production, this kind of real-time hydration tracking could become a part of daily life, helping you stay healthier, more alert, and ahead of the curve. Dehydration isn't always obvious, but it can quickly become serious. The wearable hydration sensor puts the power to monitor your health back in your hands. It's accurate, non-invasive, and built for daily life. Whether you're training for a marathon or just trying to stay sharp at work, knowing your hydration status in real time could make all the difference. Would you trust a wearable sensor to tell you when it's time to hydrate, or do you think thirst is still the best signal? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
CNET
22-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Is Your Iced Coffee Making You Dehydrated in the Summer Heat? I Asked the Experts
As the summer sun beats down, we should all stay hydrated, as dehydration can increase our risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. However, when I saw the National Weather Service in Las Vegas advising residents across parts of California, Nevada and Arizona to stop drinking caffeine in extreme heat to prevent dehydration, I wondered if that was taking things too far. To find out whether caffeine actually causes dehydration to the point where you need to put your iced coffee down, I consulted three experts. Does coffee cause dehydration? "Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, does have a mild diuretic effect," explains Jessica McAllister, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian based in Honolulu, HI. "However, the common idea that drinking coffee automatically causes significant dehydration, especially in hot weather, is an oversimplification that deserves a closer look." A diuretic is a substance that increases the production of urine. Though coffee mildly has this effect, McAllister states that for healthy individuals, moderate coffee intake doesn't cause dehydration, but can instead contribute to daily fluid intake. Zeitlin adds that what is being talked about in NWS Las Vegas's post is caffeine, which isn't just in coffee. It can also be found in sodas, energy drinks and chocolate. She advises that people keep their caffeine intake to about 300mg daily. This is about 1-2 cups (8-16 ounces of drip coffee) or 1-2 shots of espresso daily. If you stick to this and are otherwise healthy, Zeitlin states that you don't need to be concerned about the outside temperature. Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in New York City, who is also part of CNET's medical review board, adds, "It's not a major concern unless you're already at risk (e.g., high blood pressure or other cardiac issues) or heat-sensitive. The main concern with drinking coffee when it's hot out is that caffeine may mask early signs of dehydration or overheating, especially if you're sweating a lot or not replenishing fluids adequately." Boy_Anupong/Getty Images Is coffee a vasoconstrictor? In response to these caffeine-dehydration headlines, one Bluesky user stated that the issue isn't dehydration. It's actually vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels. When I asked McAllister about this, she said, "Studies have found that while caffeine can cause some blood vessel narrowing, or vasoconstriction, this doesn't necessarily translate to reduced heat dissipation or increased body temperature in real life." Zeitlin agrees, stating, "The kernel of truth is that yes, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts your blood vessels, and preventing heat stroke (or any stroke) requires our blood running freely, unconstructed around our body." However, for coffee to significantly affect your blood vessels, it depends on three factors: how sensitive you are to caffeine, how much caffeine you drink and your personal health and medical history. "If you drink water throughout the day, you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet and your doctor has never directly told you to monitor your caffeine intake, then you can comfortably enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee without stressing," concludes Zeitlin. On the other hand, if you have a cardiac health history, you should check with your doctor to figure out your daily caffeine limit. Do experts recommend that people stop drinking coffee in the heat? "I wouldn't recommend that most people completely stop consuming coffee just because it's hot out, as long as you're staying hydrated and not over-consuming," says Ti. "I would recommend opting for an iced coffee, limiting extra-large or multiple cups of coffee or other caffeinated drinks, especially if you're sweating more, and watching out for signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, headache or clammy skin." Oleh_Slobodeniuk/Getty Images McAllister agrees, as long as your coffee consumption doesn't replace more hydrating fluids, like water, especially if you're sweating heavily. "I don't think there's sufficient scientific evidence to support avoiding coffee when it's hot outside," she states. "For one, most people drink coffee for either the 'pick-me-up' or to warm up. If you're drinking coffee, you're likely to be outside in hot weather for only a short time, so you should be able to stay cool and drink plenty of water to minimize your risk of dehydration or overheating." Zeitlin is on the same page. "I recommend people keep coffee to 1-2 cups daily, regardless of the weather, and to drink a full glass of water for every cup or shot of espresso they have and enjoy it," she says. "But if your doctor told you to avoid caffeine for any reason, then do so." Important precautions to take in the summer heat Though you may not have to worry about your coffee consumption in the heat as much as headlines are saying, you should still exercise certain precautions when it's hot out this summer. Increase fluid intake: "Drink water regularly throughout the day, and consider including electrolyte-rich beverages if you're sweating heavily or exposed to the heat for longer than 1 hour," says McAllister. Zeitlin adds that drinking more water on hotter-than-normal days "means 2-4 glasses more than your usual baseline water intake." Add electrolytes if sweating heavily: "Precautions I would recommend in hotter-than-normal temperatures include hydrating with water and adding electrolytes if you're sweating heavily or outside in the heat for long periods of time," states Ti. Drink a glass of water before coffee: "A good general rule for anytime you consume coffee is to first have an 8-ounce glass of water," says Zeitlin. "Your body's response to the caffeine will be more gentle and prevent jitters." Avoid excessive alcohol: "Drinking alcohol can increase your chances of getting dehydrated, particularly if you're spending a lot of time outdoors," explains McAllister. Consume foods with high water content: Ti specifically recommends watermelon, berries and greens. McAllister adds that cucumber, oranges and strawberries are great for this, especially if you don't love drinking water. Eat raw fruits and vegetables: "Raw fruits and veggies will hydrate you with their own water content and give you essential minerals (aka electrolytes) to help prevent you from dehydrating," states Zeitlin. "Cooked veggies are great for those minerals, but you'll be cooking out the water content." Skip workouts at the hottest part of the day: Unless your body is used to the heat, Ti advises scheduling your high-intensity workouts for a cooler time. Exercise indoors: On a similar note, Zeitlin states, "Stay indoors in the air conditioning when possible and change your outdoor exercise routine to an indoor one on these super-hot days." Listen to your body: McAllister stresses the importance of remaining vigilant about signs of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, headache or nausea. If you feel unwell, move to a cooler area.
Al Arabiya
20-07-2025
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Netanyahu suffers food poisoning, to rest for three days, his office says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a bout of food poisoning, his office said on Sunday, adding that he will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days. Netanyahu, 75, fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids, a statement said. 'In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there,' his office added. Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023 and last December he had his prostate removed after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
Reuters
20-07-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Netanyahu suffers food poisoning, to rest for three days, his office says
JERUSALEM, July 20 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a bout of food poisoning, his office said on Sunday, adding that he will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days. Netanyahu, 75, fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids, a statement said. "In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there," his office added. Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023 and last December he had his prostate removed after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
