I’m a pharmacist – here’s 7 signs of dehydration you must never ignore in heatwave

A HEATWAVE is upon us with many Brits frantically trying to cool down.

But while you might be reaching for the fan, it's also important that you avoid dehydration during soaring temperatures.

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The nation is braced for a 34C scorcher today as the UK's mini heatwave gets set to bring the hottest day of the year so far.

Forecasters predict baking highs on what is being labelled "Fiery Friday" - and have warned sun-seekers to be aware of the risks.

Water accounts for almost two-thirds of your body weight and about 73 per cent of your brain.

Yet 43 per cent of people don’t think they get enough H2O because they simply forget to drink water.

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Hussain Abdeh, superintendent pharmacist at Medicine Direct said it's important to not ignore the signs of dehydration.

There are seven key signs of the condition you must watch out for.

"Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, headache and tiredness.

"Your urine will be a dark-yellow colour and pungent, and you may even feel dizzy, in which case speak to a doctor or pharmacist, who can recommend rehydration sachets that replenish the electrolytes in your body,” says Hussain Abdeh, superintendent pharmacist at Medicine Direct.

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The NHS states that if you're dehydrated then you will also have a dry mouth, lips and eyes.

It's likely you'll also be urinating little - less that four times a day.

“Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times, so you can take regular sips, and break up alcoholic drinks with pints of water," Hussain added.

Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, and if you’re sweating lots, drink enough that your pee is pale.

Boots Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan OBE, added that in hot weather, hydration is key.

"Staying hydrated is vital if you’re going to keep your energy levels up on a warm day and to help ensure you do not overheat and become dehydrated.

"Aim to drink a glass of water soon after waking and continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a reusable bottle with you and avoid excess alcohol as this will dehydrate you.”

He added that while most people use water to stay hydrated, you can also use the water to cool down.

"Take a cool shower or bath or alternatively, if you’re out and about take a cooling spray or mist with you to help keep your face and body cool and refresh skin in the warmer weather.

"If you’re at home and have an electric fan, put some ice cubes in a bowl in front of it which will help to circulate ice cold air.”

The nation is braced for a scorcher today and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), along with the Met Office, issued a Level 3 heat-health alert across London, East of England and the South East.

With that it mind - it's important to be prepared.

Hydration expert Lena Jüngst said one way to beat dehydration is to drink before you are thirsty.

Lena, who is the founder or said: "To stay hydrated it’s important to make sure your water levels are constantly being topped up throughout the day.

"While outdoors, these levels are depleted at a much faster rate and we might not even realise we’re thirsty until we’re at the point of dehydration, so it’s important to make sure to drink at regular intervals throughout the day." 

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Many people struggle to drink water alone, so it's important if you don't like water, then you try and drink things you actually enjoy, Lena said.

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" If you don’t like water, drinking as many fluids as possible such as squash, tea, or better yet plain water that tricks our senses into tasting flavour, keeps our water levels up and keeps us safe in the sun," she added.