Summer Drinking, The Right Way

July 11, 2013

Ahh, drinking in the summer. There is nothing quite like a pitcher of mojitos and a bucket of icy beers to enjoy while gabbing with friends on a lazy afternoon. But while the summer is undeniably awesome, and drinking in the afternoon can lead to all kinds of amusing shenanigans, drinking in the heat has its own set of pitfalls which one must avoid lest the hangovers be extra awful.

Heat exhaustion is a set of unpleasant symptoms that come about when your body struggles to keep cool. Heat, humidity, and sun all exacerbate the effect. Symptoms can include dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea. Do those symptoms look familiar? Heat exhaustion is very similar to a hangover in that both have dehydration as a primary driver. In serious heat, dehydration comes from sweating and in alcohol consumption it comes from the diuretic effect. And when the two are combined it creates an extra delicate need for properly balanced hydration. So what’s the cure?

Extra electrolytes

These are way more important that anyone realizes. While a bag of chips can give you sodium, and coconut water can give you potassium, it is always better to get your electrolytes properly balanced between sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The best options out there are Pedialyte and Brode. (And obviously Brode is our favorite.)

Alternate between sun and shade

The sun shines down with some ridiculous amount of heat. Avoid absorbing a constant stream of radiated sun-rays by alternating between the sun and shade. Umbrellas, tents, awnings, trees, even large hats can help.

Throw some damp cloths in your cooler

Make just enough room next to the Coronas and ice to fit a couple of handkerchiefs or cloths. While enjoying the heat and brews wipe the cold water on your face, neck, and arms. You’ll appreciate that you made the effort.

Plenty of water available

This one is a no-brainer. Have plenty of water available to you, and drink it as you get thirsty. This means knowing where the water fountains are at the park, asking for waters at the bar, or bringing water with you if you will will be somewhere inaccessible.

A good rule of thumb in almost all cases is to listen to what you body is telling you. If you are becoming over-heated take steps to cool off. If you feel that you are becoming a bit woozy, get out of the sun and get some electrolytes and fluids in your body. There is nothing in stone that says summer day drinking will get you hungover, but sometimes you have to be a bit more careful.