Is it a surprise? Hydration is essential in summer. And when you are hypertensive, this simple health reflex can quickly become more complex. It is indeed necessary to hydrate “without overloading the body”, warns Dr Gérald Kierzek. Here is his user manual to drink safely.
Maintain optimal hydration … without disturbing the tensioning balance
The hypertensive in summer must take up a major challenge: hydrate effectively and without excess.
“The objective, in these months of hot weather, is to maintain optimal hydration without disturbing the tensioning balance”, confirms the medical director of True Medical. Indeed, “Dehydration can paradoxically raise the tension by concentrating blood, while excess sodium can have the same effect.”
Antihypertensive drugs also complicate the equation. “Diuretics increase water losses, conversion enzyme inhibitors (IEC) can cause a tension drop in dehydration, and some beta -blockers decrease thermoregulation capacity. Increased monitoring is therefore essential during scorching episodes”, warns Dr Gérald Kierzek.
In this context, several drinks are recommended:
- Water: “”It must be nature and little mineralized, with a dry residue less than 500 mg/l. Avoid very rich in sodium like certain sparkling waters. Favor weakly mineralized waters or those rich in magnesium and potassium, beneficial for tension “;
- Homemade icy herbal teas: “Taisas based on verbena, chamomile or mint, without added sugars, bring variety and freshness. Some plants like the hibiscus even have light hypotensive properties according to a few studies”;
- Light and cold broths: “Gaspachos of vegetables without added salts and cooled vegetable broths allow you to combine hydration and potassium intake, mineral” friend “of hypertensive.”
4 drinks are to be limited in case of hypertension
Still according to Dr Gérald Kierzek, some sets must be avoided.
- Sodium and sweet drinks: “Their richness in sodium and sugars can flambé the tension. A soda can sometimes contain the equivalent of 40 mg of sodium, or 2% of the recommended daily contributions”;
- Alcohol Dehydrates and interacts dangerously with antihypertensive treatments. “Its regular consumption is directly linked to the tensioning elevation”;
- Energy drinks :: “The caffeine-taurine-sodium mixture is a real explosive cocktail for blood pressure. To be formally banned”;
- Some mineral waters: “Vichy Célestins (1,100 mg of sodium/l) or Saint-Yorre (1,700 mg/l) are to be avoided. Prefer Hépar, Contrex or Évian.”
Finally, take the time to drink throughout the day.
- Drink regularly in small quantities rather than large occasional quantities. “Count about 2.5 liters per day during normal period, up to 3-3.5 liters per strong heat. Watch out for signs of dehydration: fatigue, headache, dizziness, which can hide a hypertensive push”;
- Also watch your tension more frequently During a heat wave and adapt your water intakes according to your doctor’s advice. “Some patients may require a temporary adjustment of their treatment”.
- Finally, and if necessary, ask the therapeutic adjustment to your doctor and/or pharmacist.