Doctor Recommends Salty Fries in the Heat
During heatwaves, the body loses key electrolytes, and renowned German physician Thomas Kiper explains how to replenish them.
During heatwaves, the body loses key electrolytes, and renowned German physician Thomas Kiper explains how to replenish them.
While temperatures outside are scorching, most of us reach for a glass of cold water. However, doctors warn that hydration alone isn't the only key to staying healthy during summer heat. Sweating also depletes valuable minerals, and one renowned expert now offers a somewhat unexpected tip for replenishing them.
Thomas Kiper, a physician at RWTH Aachen University Hospital, has put forward a suggestion that has surprised many: an occasional serving of well-salted fries can help replenish lost sodium. Although fast food is often considered unhealthy, Kiper explains that under specific circumstances, such as extreme heat, salt intake is crucial.
Sweating flushes out not only water but also electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. These minerals are vital for proper muscle function, nervous system activity, and maintaining fluid balance. If, after heavy sweating, we drink only water without replenishing minerals, electrolyte levels can drop further, leading to fatigue, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, and even nausea.
Dr. Kiper emphasizes that his advice does not mean fast food has suddenly become a healthy choice, nor that fries should be eaten frequently. "It's solely about giving the body back the minerals it has lost after increased sweating, and saltier foods can be one way to achieve that," he says. He stresses the importance of also choosing other foods that help restore electrolyte balance.
Alongside moderately salty options, foods rich in water and minerals are recommended. A combination of plain yogurt, coconut water, green salad, cucumbers, and watermelon is an excellent choice, as these foods simultaneously aid hydration and help restore some of the lost minerals. For those who sweat heavily, work outdoors, or are exposed to the sun for long periods, mineral water, broths, and oral electrolyte solutions from pharmacies can be beneficial.
According to the physician, simply increasing water intake during heatwaves is not enough. The right combination of fluid intake, a balanced diet, and mineral replenishment is key to reducing the risk of dehydration, exhaustion, and other heat-related ailments.
