Q: What is the relationship between alcohol intake and hydration in the summer?

A: Summer brings outdoor gatherings with refreshing drinks — but it’s important to under- stand how alcohol affects your body in hot weather. Alcohol can increase risks of dehydration and heat-related issues.

Alcohol is a diuretic — it causes your body to lose more fluids through urine. In hot weather, you’re already losing fluids through sweat, so combining heat and alcohol can lead to dehydration faster than expected. Dizziness, fatigue, and headache can be signs you’re not getting enough fluids.

Alcohol can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature, causing blood vessels to widen, making you feel warm while actually causing your body to lose heat. This interferes with your natural cooling process and increases the risk of overheating.

To stay safe, drink water between alcoholic beverages, limit how much you drink, and avoid alcohol during peak sun hours. Choose light, low-alcohol drinks and always have water on hand. Being mindful helps you enjoy summer fun while keeping your body cool and well-hydrated.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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