Heat exposure can present significant challenges, especially when combined with certain medical conditions and medications that affect fluid balance. Understanding how to manage these interconnected issues is essential for maintaining health and comfort during hot weather. Chinese medicine offers valuable insights and holistic approaches to address these concerns effectively.
Heat Exposure and Its Effects
As we age, the body’s ability to regulate temperature can become less efficient, leading to increased susceptibility to heat. This sensitivity can exacerbate issues such as hot flushes and night sweats, making daily life uncomfortable and potentially impacting sleep quality and overall well-being.
Tips for Managing Heat from a Chinese Medicine Perspective:
- Stay Hydrated: In Chinese medicine, proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the balance of yin and yang in the body. Drink plenty of water to regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration. Sip water throughout the day to avoid overwhelming the digestive system.
- Use Cooling Methods: Cooling devices such as fans, air conditioning, and cooling towels can provide immediate relief. Applying a cold, wrapped pack to the back of the neck, the groin, and the armpits can help cool the body rapidly, aligning with Chinese medicine’s focus on key meridian points.
- Adjust Your Environment: Keep living and working spaces cool, especially during hot weather. In climates not built for heat, such as the UK, use fans and keep windows and curtains closed when it’s hotter outside. Consider sleeping on a lower floor if your usual sleeping area is a loft conversion.
- Dietary Adjustments: Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining health. Eat watery foods such as lettuce, cucumber, zucchini, and strawberries, which are cooling and hydrating. Foods like bananas, milk, broth, and leafy green vegetables can help rehydrate the body. Avoid dehydrating foods and drinks, including alcohol, caffeine, and fast foods.
Avoiding Overexposure
In regions unaccustomed to extreme heat, many people ‘carry on as usual,’ which can be detrimental to health. Chinese medicine advises being mindful of environmental changes and adjusting routines accordingly:
- Check Weather Apps Before Going Out: This helps avoid peak heat times, usually between 11 am and 3 pm, though it can vary. Stay aware and avoid direct exposure during these times.
- Avoid Outside Activity: Exercise or extreme sports during peak times can be risky. If unavoidable, ensure plenty of water intake before, during, and after activity.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear light-colored, breathable clothing to stay cool. Natural fibers like cotton are preferred, and loose-fitting garments are recommended. Keep your head covered to avoid overheating.
Medications That Can Affect Hydration Levels
Several types of medications can influence hydration by affecting fluid balance, sodium levels, or the body’s ability to retain or expel water. Here are some common categories of medications that can impact hydration:
- Antidepressants: SSRIs and SNRIs can lead to hyponatremia, where low sodium levels cause water retention and disrupt fluid balance.
- Diuretics: Prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, these increase urine output, potentially leading to dehydration if fluid intake isn’t maintained.
- Antipsychotics: Medications like clozapine and olanzapine can increase thirst and alter fluid balance.
- Laxatives: Used for constipation, they can cause dehydration by increasing fluid loss through bowel movements.
- Chemotherapy Drugs: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to significant fluid loss.
- Antihistamines: Some can dry mucous membranes, contributing to mild dehydration.
- Blood Pressure Medications: ACE inhibitors and ARBs can cause changes in potassium levels, indirectly affecting hydration.
- NSAIDs: Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can affect kidney function and fluid balance.
Understanding how these medications can influence hydration is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and overall health. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you notice signs of dehydration or fluid imbalance.
Understanding Hyponatremia – Low Sodium
Hyponatremia is characterized by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Symptoms include headache, nausea, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
Managing Hyponatremia Risk:
- Monitor Fluid Intake: Balance water intake to avoid overhydration. Drink enough to stay hydrated without diluting your body’s sodium levels.
- Consult Your Doctor: Regularly review medications with your healthcare provider to monitor for potential side effects.
- Electrolyte Balance: Consider electrolyte-rich beverages, especially during hot weather or after significant sweating.
- Dietary Adjustments: Include adequate sodium in your diet, but avoid excessive salt intake to prevent other health issues.
Being proactive about your well-being during heat waves is the best way to take care of yourself. Chinese medicine always seeks to prevent disease rather than manage it. Overexposure to heat can be dangerous, so understanding and managing the risk of hyponatremia, particularly when taking medications like antidepressants, is crucial. Use the practical strategies outlined here to manage heat and fluid balance effectively.
About Jo Darling MBAcC Lic Acu, Founder Menopoised®
Jo Darling is an acclaimed Chinese medicine practitioner and retreat leader, with expertise in women’s natural health and the founder of Menopoised® She’s passionate about helping women transition through menopause, whether natural or medically induced and is an experienced oncology acupuncturist.
Jo’s mission is to empower women to live healthier, happier lives sharing her 15 years of clinical experience harnessing the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. She successfully works with patients to support them with mental and physical health imbalances from hot flushes to anxiety, low mood or low energy, migraines, insomnia and much more.
Jo integrates a range of Chinese medical techniques including acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion and offers lifestyle advice (yang sheng) to help women help themselves. She offers both in person and remote treatment incorporating the use of essential oils to activate specific acupuncture points.
Jo Darling Wellness Retreats
Jo runs Chinese medicine retreats in the UK and abroad. Rooted in the principle of the Chinese clock, (when we do the right thing at the right time 1 day can seem like 3) Jo curates your stays to make the most of the energy of the day and season. Making selfcare effortless and lasting.
Her workshops are designed to make Chinese medicine a joy to embody, teaching selfcare tools to inspire you to take care of yourself. Enjoy gentle movement practices, acupuncture treatments, wonderful food and exquisite locations.
Spanish Wellness Retreat, Andalucia 21-26 October 2024
Rest, restore and revitalise in the magical mountains, waterfalls and sunshine of Andalucia, Spain.
During our time together I’ll introduce you to the theory of the ‘Chinese Clock’ which explains that each organ has peak energy at a specific time of day. I’ll show you how to harness this energy to optimise your wellbeing.
We’ll live and breathe the concept through a series of workshops, gentle movement practices and acupuncture treatments to help you take care of yourself. With lots of spare time in between to enjoy the wonderful food, sunshine, pool and caves of our magical luxury retreat. More info here.
About Bazi Health Readings With Jo
Jo offers Bazi (chinese astrology) health readings to help you to understand yourself better. Through a reading with her you can find out what aspects of your health, mental and physical need more support and find out how to harness your strengths to help you feel better.
What you’ll get from a reading:
* Empower yourself with greater self knowledge
* Understand you physical, emotional and mental potential
* Recognise and hone your strengths
* Learn how to support your health weaknesses
If you’d like to find out more about a Bazi health reading with Jo click here.
