Summer is just around the corner, and many of us have already started our annual ‘summer health kicks’, from drinking more water to spending extra time outdoors. But while we focus on feeling healthier, some common summer habits may actually be doing more harm than good.
Why drinking too much water can cause headaches
Most people know dehydration is a leading cause of headaches, especially in hot weather. What’s talked about less is that overhydrating can sometimes do the same thing!
When you drink excessive amounts of water in a short space of time and particularly without replacing salts and electrolytes, the balance of sodium in your body can actually drop. This can leave you feeling sick, tired, bloated, or give you a lingering headache that feels surprisingly similar to dehydration. It’s especially common after a gym session, or in heatwaves where people constantly sip water.
At Coda Pharmacy our top tip is to drink steadily throughout the day rather than forcing litres at once, and remember that your body also needs electrolytes, especially if you’ve been sweating heavily.
The hidden link between antihistamines and overheating
If you suffer with hayfever, there’s a good chance antihistamines have become part of your daily routine over summer. What many people don’t realise is that some antihistamines can make it harder for your body to cool itself down properly.
Certain antihistamines may reduce sweating and can actually leave you feeling more tired. This combined with the high temperatures and outdoor activities can sometimes increase the risk of overheating without you noticing straight away.
You might feel unusually dizzy and wiped out even if you’ve been drinking water.
If you notice this happening regularly, it’s worth speaking to your pharmacist about which antihistamine you’re taking and whether another option may suit you better during warmer months. You can contact one of our friendly Coda pharmacists and they will be happy to help. See more here: codapharmacy.co.uk/contact-us
Why SPF won’t protect you from heat exhaustion
Wearing sunscreen is essential, but SPF only protects your skin from UV damage, it does not protect your body from overheating.
A misunderstanding that we hear all the time at Coda Pharmacy is that because someone hasn’t burned, they’re coping well in the heat. In reality, heat exhaustion can still happen when your skin is fully protected.
Symptoms can include:
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Sudden fatigue
This is particularly common during UK heatwaves where many homes and public transport systems aren’t really designed for extreme temperatures. The best things to do is seek shade, hydration, cooling down properly, and avoiding intense heat during peak afternoon hours matter just as much as sunscreen.
Why perfume and sunlight don’t always mix
Spraying perfume before heading out in the sun might seem harmless, but some fragrances can actually make your skin more sensitive to sunlight! Certain ingredients found in perfumes, especially ones with citrus or floral oils, can react with UV exposure and lead to irritation or dark patches on the skin. This is known as photosensitivity or phototoxicity.
The marks often appear around the neck, chest, or wrists where perfume is usually applied, and they can linger long after the summer time ends. If you’re spending long periods outdoors, it’s safer to apply fragrance to clothing instead of directly onto sun-exposed skin.
Can air conditioning make you feel unwell?
After spending time in very intense heat, air conditioning can feel like an absolute lifesaver. But did you know that constant exposure to very cold, dry air can sometimes irritate the body more than people realise. This can cause:
- dry eyes
- sore throats
- Headaches
- dry skin
- blocked sinuses
Air conditioning can also dry out indoor environments, especially in offices, cars, and hotels where it’s running all day. The sudden switch between outdoor heat and icy indoor temperatures can also leave some people feeling run down or fatigued. Keeping hydrated, using eye drops if needed, and avoiding overly cold settings can help reduce this irritation.
Why energy drinks can make dehydration worse
When it gets hotter out, it’s very common for people to reach for energy drinks to fight the tiredness, especially during festivals, travel, or long work shifts.
The problem is that many energy drinks contain a high amount of caffeine and sugar, which can sometimes make you feel even more dehydrated afterwards. This can cause:
- Headaches
- Shakiness
- increased thirst
- Fatigue
- heart palpitations
In hot weather, relying on energy drinks instead of proper hydration can put extra strain on the body, particularly if alcohol or exercise is involved too. If you need an energy boost in summer, water, balanced meals, sleep, and electrolyte replacement are a lot more effective in the long run.
Further support
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I actually drink during hot weather? There isn’t one exact amount that works for everyone. Your fluid needs depend on factors like temperature, activity levels, sweating, and overall health. Rather than forcing large amounts of water, aim to drink steadily throughout the day and pay attention to signs such as thirst, dark urine, dizziness, or fatigue.
What’s the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Heat exhaustion is usually the body’s warning sign that it’s struggling to cope with high temperatures. Symptoms often include heavy sweating, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. Heat stroke is much more serious and can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, or dangerously high body temperatures. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate help.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog today! Remember summer is a fun time of year and getting outdoors more is amazing but it is always important to put your health first.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.
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