Heat Exhaustion: Warning Signs and Prevention Tips
Are you feeling the heat? Arkansas is in the middle of a heat wave with triple-digit temps every day across the state. While we are used to hot weather in summer, this one is breaking records, and the risk of heat exhaustion is high. So, I thought it good to review some tips for keeping healthy during the hot summer days.
What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when the body loses too much water and salt—usually through excessive sweating and not keeping hydrated. It’s not just about being hot; it’s about the stress the heat places on your nervous system, muscles, and adrenal glands.
Early signs of heat exhaustion include:
Flushed face or pale skin
Dark circles under the eyes
Excessive or sticky sweating
Headaches, dizziness, or nausea
Muscle cramps
Mental fatigue or emotional irritability
Low urine output or dark, strong-smelling urine
If left unchecked, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke—a serious, medical emergency. That’s why prevention is key.
Other Risk Factors
Most people know that working outside in the heat is risky. But heat exhaustion can have other factors, too. These activities make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion:
Drinking lots of coffee or sweet tea, which are diuretics
Spending long hours in air conditioning, which dries out your body
Talking for hours on end (teachers, salespeople, or clergy take note!)
Flying, especially long distances, due to cabin dehydration
Even if you’re drinking water, it may not be enough to replenish lost minerals and support your body’s deeper needs.
How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion
Start with water. Yes, drink plenty of water but go a step further.
If you work outside, I suggest you mix ¼ tsp Himalayan sea salt in 8 oz of room-temperature water and sip it throughout the day. Make sure you drink plenty of un-salted water, too, but drink at least 8 oz with sea salt. Be careful drinking ice-cold water when you’re overheated—it can cause stomach cramping and slow absorption. Room temperature water is best when overheated.
There are supplements you can take to help the body during these hot days. I recommend three Standard Process products to help deal with the heat:
Drenamin® – Supports the adrenal glands, which take a hit when your body is under physical stress. If you feel “wiped out” even after resting, this might be the key.
Cataplex® F – Polyunsaturated fatty acids help regulate sweating and support nerve and skin health. It’s especially useful when there’s profuse sweating or muscle tightness.
Calcium Lactate – Quickly absorbed and essential for proper muscle function, electrolyte balance, and hydration. A go-to for cramps, fatigue, and “heat headaches.”
Don’t Take Chances, Take Precautions
Arkansas summers always demand respect but this year especially so. If you notice any warning signs of heat exhaustion, take action immediately. Stop working, get out of the sun and into a cool place, and sip on water with a pinch of added salt.
Stay hydrated. Stay smart. And enjoy a safe, healthy summer.
Dr. Travis Wyly |England Chiropractic & Nutrition
501-842-1004 | www.EnglandChiropractic.com