Doctor explains why everyone should be drinking milk in heatwave as temperatures soar above 30 degrees
A doctor has revealed why drinking milk during the heatwave should be on the menu for everyone as temperatures are set to soar in the UK this week.
Temperatures are possibly going to reach a whopping 33C over the bank holiday weekend, with some regions of England being issued amber heat-health alerts (HHA) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to reflect this.
The UKHSA earlier upgraded heat alerts from yellow to amber warnings in the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and South East England.
And four regions have now been upgraded from no alerts to yellow warnings: North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and Humber and South West England.
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Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it’s important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Following the alerts, one doctor has spoken about why everyone should be drinking milk during the hot weather.
Dr Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks, said it might actually be more hydrating than water.
"A lot of buildings in the UK aren’t well equipped to deal with extreme heat, so it’s more important than ever to look after your hydration levels throughout periods of hot weather," she told Metro. "However, you don’t have to stick to water alone to boost hydration levels."
Thanks to the sugars, proteins and fats in milk, Dr Fernando explains that a glass of milk can help aid hydration for longer.
"Milk also contains sodium which allows your body to hold onto water for longer, aiding hydration levels," she added.
Doctors have also spoken about how to use a fan correctly in the heatwave.
"Cool air against muscles and joints for seven or eight hours can cause a subtle drop in tissue temperature. Stiff necks and aching shoulders on waking are common signs," Dr. Naheed Ali, MD, PhD told LADbible.
The physician and senior contributor at Vera Clinic said 'running a bedroom fan all night can create hidden stress on the body'.
"The fan cools the skin by speeding up evaporation, and that steady airflow can leave the nasal passages and throat uncomfortably dry by morning," he explained.
"A dry airway produces thicker mucus, which can trap allergens and irritants close to sensitive tissue. Over time, this may trigger coughing, a scratchy voice, or clogged sinuses that linger through the day.
"The chilled muscles tighten as a natural defence, and that tension may persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores normal blood flow."
Topics: Health, Weather, Food And Drink
Lucy Devine