After what seemed like the longest winter ever, we are finally enjoying some sun and what better excuse than to head to a beer garden?
While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a refreshing drink or two, a recent survey has revealed that more than half of people in the UK (53%) consume more alcohol when the weather is warm.
As the weather is set to stay warmer, experts at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have warned of the dangers of drinking in the sun that a lot of people may not be aware of.
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They told the ECHO: "People need to be extra vigilant when consuming alcoholic beverages. It’s important to drink responsibly by sticking to the recommended alcohol consumption levels of 14 units a week, as fun in the sun can turn hazardous when alcohol is involved."
Here are some of the risks facing people who drink alcohol in the sun.
Dehydration
One of the biggest risks of drinking outside during summer is dehydration. One of the many side effects of alcohol is dehydration. Alcohol removes fluids from your blood through the renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder, much more quickly than other liquids. However, dehydration becomes an even bigger problem in the sun.
When the weather is hot outside, our body attempts to cool down through sweating, meaning we are losing more fluid. If this fluid isn’t replaced, it can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, feeling thirsty and having a dry mouth, lips and eyes.
If you start to display signs of dehydration, it's important to replenish the fluid levels in your body, by drinking water or sports drinks. If your symptoms do not improve, it's important to seek medical treatment as it can develop into a serious problem.
Sunburn
Another common issue with mixing alcohol and hot weather is sunburn. Studies have in fact proven that an individual's skin becomes more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun after consuming alcohol. The research shows that the amount of UV it took to burn the individual's skin was a lot less than without consuming alcohol.
Additionally, when someone overindulges in alcohol, their ability to make decisions reduces significantly. This means they are more likely to forget to reapply sunscreen, therefore increasing the chances of burning their skin and causing sun damage.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is caused by the body overheating, typically as a result of being exposed to high temperatures. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, causing an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, high body temperature, headaches and altered mental behaviour.
Alcohol can increase the chances of heatstroke, this is because when the body starts to overheat, it cools itself down by sweating. Alcohol can reduce the amount of sweat we produce, thus making it harder for the body to cool down, this can then cause your body temperature to rise to extremely dangerous levels, causing heat stroke.
If you think someone is experiencing heat stroke, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
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