It’s 38°C.
The sun is relentless.
You’re sweating.
And the first thing that comes to mind is…
A nice, ice-cold beer.
It sounds refreshing.
But your body would disagree.
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During a heatwave, alcohol is actually one of the worst drinks you can choose.
Why?
Because alcohol is diuretic.
It makes your body lose more water through urine, increasing the risk of dehydration just when your body needs fluids the most. (« lalibre.be » (https://www.lalibre.be/planete/sante/2026/06/24/pourquoi-boire-une-biere-par-une-chaleur-caniculaire-est-loin-detre-une-bonne-idee/))
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And that’s not all.
Alcohol also affects your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
While you might feel cooler for a few minutes…
Your body is actually working harder to stay at a safe temperature.
That can increase fatigue, dizziness and, in extreme cases, the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
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The problem is psychological.
An ice-cold beer creates the illusion of relief.
But the cold comes from the drink…
Not from what it’s doing inside your body.
In reality, plain water remains your best ally during extreme heat.
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Health professionals recommend drinking regularly throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty.
Because once thirst appears…
Your body is already starting to dehydrate.
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As heatwaves become more frequent around the world, simple habits like staying hydrated can make a real difference.
Sometimes…
The healthiest choice isn’t the most tempting one.
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But here’s the real question…
When temperatures keep breaking records every summer… are we ready to change our habits to protect our health?
