Summer is now in full swing. While outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, swimming, and visiting attractions are increasing, many are discovering that the electrolytes within their body are decreasing – especially those that have had to seek medical care due to a heat-related illness.
Maintaining a consistent, safe body temperature is an essential component to your overall health. If your body temperature goes too low or too high, it could result in complications associated with the functioning of your organs and could prove to be fatal.
In order to stay safe and healthy during extremely hot summers, you must learn how to prevent electrolyte loss when exposed to the heat.
Regulation of Temperature in the Body
The body has several unique methods for regulating the temperature so that it remains consistent. During the summer months, sweating is one of these methods. When your body produces sweat, it cools down your body.
The evaporation of the sweat on the skin helps to release the heat. If you sweat too much, though, your body will start to lose electrolytes that are necessary for your health. These include chloride, sodium, and potassium. As a result, a strain is placed on the body.
Why Are Electrolytes Important?
The electrolytes within the human body are responsible for the support of many different functions. These include transmitting signals within the nervous system, communication among the muscles, regulating the volume of the blood, regulating your blood pressure, and ensuring that the blood – which contains a large amount of oxygen – is circulated appropriately throughout the entire body.
If you lose too many electrolytes as a result of summer heat, you are sure to experience health problems as a result of the loss and the onset of dehydration.
Symptoms of Low Electrolytes
During the summer months, there are many symptoms that may be experienced that indicate electrolyte loss. These include – but, are not limited to – the following:
- Fatigue
- Excessive Lethargy
- Fast Heart Rate
- Irregularities in Heart Beat
- Convulsions
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation or Diarrhea
- Cramping of the Abdominal Muscles
- General Muscle Cramping Throughout Body
- Weakness of the Muscles
- Headache
- Confusion
- Numbness and/or Tingling Sensations
- Irritability and/or Mood Swings
- Chest Pain
Preventing Loss of Electrolytes During Hot Weather
There are several steps that may be taken to prevent the loss of critical electrolytes during the hot summer months. First and foremost, you should ensure that you are not out in the heat for prolonged periods of time.
Additionally, you should make certain that you remain in a climate-controlled environment. Make certain your air conditioner is running properly and has a clean filter. If you do not have an air conditioner, you must obtain one as quickly as possible.
You should replenish the fluids and the electrolytes within your body on a regular basis through the consumption of water, sports drinks, and specially-designed beverages that include additional electrolytes.
If your home is too hot, it is time to cool down! Simply contact us today so that we may assist you: https://ronaldsmithhvac.com/schedule