Dr. Nakul Dilip Tikare, Associate Consultant – Clinical Haematology, Manipal Hospital Goa
When summer heat kicks in, we often think about sunburns and sweat. But there’s something else the heat does to your body that isn’t as obvious — it can thin your blood and make you feel weak, dizzy, or even faint. And the main reason? Dehydration.
Your body needs water to work properly. Every cell, tissue, and organ depends on it. When you’re in the sun or in hot weather, you sweat more to keep your body cool. This sweat takes water and salts out of your body. If you don’t replace that lost fluid, you become dehydrated — which means your body doesn’t have enough water to function the way it should.
One effect of dehydration that many people don’t realize is that it can change your blood. Your blood is made of cells and a watery part called plasma. When you lose too much fluid, the amount of plasma drops. This makes your blood thinner, which can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, and a faster heart rate. It may also affect how your body handles medications, especially blood pressure or blood thinning drugs.
Some signs of dehydration to watch for:
• Dry mouth or sticky saliva
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Dark yellow urine or not urinating often
To stay healthy in the heat, follow these tips:
• Drink water often — even if you’re not thirsty. Your body can be low on water before you notice it.
• Add some salt and sugar if needed — a pinch of salt and a spoon of sugar in a glass of water can help if you’re sweating a lot, or use an oral rehydration drink.
• Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
• Avoid too much tea, coffee, or alcohol — they make your body lose water faster.
• Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and wear light clothes if you go out.
Drinking enough water might seem simple, but it can protect your heart, your brain, and your overall health — especially during a hot summer. Make it a habit, and your body will thank you.