Alcohol's effects on the body in summer

Summer is often synonymous with relaxation, vacations, time spent outdoors... and aperitifs! However, drinking in hot weather calls for special vigilance!

In this article, we'll discuss the link between alcohol and the sun, its consequences for your body, and how to avoid it!

So grab a cool lemonade, your favorite fan, and enjoy the read!

6 summertime effects of alcohol on the body

1. Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production. One study shows that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can increase urine production by 10% to 15%. Except in summer, sweat due to heat already increases the need for hydration. The combination of the two can quickly lead to severe dehydration.

Specific research into summer dehydration has shown that 75% of Americans are highly dehydrated in summer. Alcohol intake can be a cause.

2. Heat stroke

Alcohol-induced dehydration can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Approximately 618 heat-related deaths occur each year in the U.S., and alcohol can increase this risk.

What's more, alcohol dilates blood vessels, which can give a false sense of coolness and delay water intake to protect against the heat.

3. Effects on the cardiovascular system

Alcohol affects blood pressure and heart rate. Studies show that alcohol consumption can increase systolic blood pressure by 2 to 4 mmHg. Normal blood pressure is generally around 120/80 mmHg. An increase of 4 mmHg can, therefore, raise systolic pressure to 124 mmHg, which is high. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130-139 mmHg.

During the summer, when the body already has to work harder to maintain average body temperature, these effects can overload the heart, especially in people with heart problems.

4. Increased risk of injury

Summer activities such as swimming, sports, or excursions, combined with alcohol consumption, increase the risk of injury.

Around 20% of drownings are associated with alcohol consumption. This is because alcohol impairs coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.

5. Increased sensitivity to the sun

Alcohol can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays, making it more susceptible to sunburn and solar damage.

One study showed that alcohol consumption can reduce the time it takes to get a sunburn by 30%.

6. Premature skin aging

Prolonged sun exposure combined with alcohol consumption can accelerate skin aging. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, and UV exposure can damage collagen and skin elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Around 90% of the visible signs of skin aging are estimated to be attributed to sun damage.

6 tips to minimize risks

1. Stay hydrated

It's essential to drink plenty of water to compensate for the diuretic effects of alcohol. The Institute of Medicine recommends around 3.7 liters of water a day for men and 2.7 liters for women.

2. Seek shade

Spend as much time as possible in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.

3. Limit alcohol consumption

Try to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible, especially on sweltering days. Moderation, as defined by health authorities such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and Santé Publique France, is recommended to reduce the health risks and risky behaviors associated with excessive consumption. Moderation is a maximum of one glass a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men.

4. Don't put yourself in danger

Be very careful not to swim or go near water when you have or plan to consume alcohol to avoid any risk of an accident.

5. Protect yourself from the sun

It's essential to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and to reapply it regularly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher.

6. Listen to your body

Be alert to signs of dehydration and heat stroke, such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and cramps, and act quickly to cool down and moisturize if these signs appear.

The combination of alcohol and sun exposure can increase health risks, particularly in terms of sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke. So stay alert, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from the sun for a safe and enjoyable summer.