Drinking too much water in scorching heat is dangerous

Dietitian Nur Köse pointed out that overdoing water consumption in scorching heat causes mineral and vitamin loss in the body.

Stating that the visible and invisible water found in all beverages and foods, especially drinking water, is described as liquid, Dietitian Nur Köse noted that liquid consumption is vital/important in the summer months and said, “The daily fluid need of human beings is met by the water in the food they eat and the water formed during metabolism in oxidative processes in the body. The amount of water in the body varies according to age, gender and body composition (amount of fat and muscle tissue). In hot weather, fluid loss increases with sweating and urination, when we move more and consume more protein and salty foods. According to energy intake, the daily water requirement for adults can be calculated by multiplying the person's weight by 30 milliliters. For example, a person weighing 60 kilograms can consume 60x30 = 1,800 milliliters, i.e. approximately 2 liters of water per day. Water should be our priority to increase fluid consumption in hot weather in summer. After drinking as much water as we need, we can drink plain mineral water, ayran, milk, coffee and tea for the minerals we lose with sweat.”

Dietitian Köse also shared the following information about what should be done in fluid consumption and the functions of fluid in the body:

“Water and other beverages are important in maintaining body water balance. We should meet water, which is an essential element for life, from clean, unhealthy sources. People can live for days without food, but it is impossible to live without water for days. During breastfeeding, fluid consumption should be increased and 700 milliliters/1 liter of fluid should be added daily. Especially in case of diarrhea, a mixture of water, salt and sugar is life-saving. Excessive water consumption should also be avoided as it causes mineral and vitamin loss in the body. Water ensures the functioning of cells, tissues, organs and systems; regulation of body temperature, digestion, absorption and transportation of the foods we eat to cells.”