The UK is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 34°C on Thursday, marking the eighth such day in 2026, according to the Met Office. This sets a new record for the most days reaching 34°C or higher in a calendar year, surpassing the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020.
Amber Heat Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the Midlands and southern England from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday. These alerts indicate significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths, especially among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
Dr Amir Khan's Verdict on Electrolytes
Appearing on the Woman and Home podcast, TV doctor Amir Khan, known for his appearances on ITV's Lorraine and This Morning, addressed the trend of using electrolytes for hydration. Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water and are crucial for nerve function, muscle contraction, pH balance, and hydration. However, Dr Khan cautioned against unnecessary supplementation.
Dr Khan said: “We’re going to talk about electrolytes because they are everywhere right now. People are adding powders to their water, putting salt in their drinks, and talking about optimising hydration. But what are electrolytes and do we actually need to be doing any of this? Well, so first, electrolytes are just minerals. Things like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.”
When Electrolytes Are Needed
Dr Khan explained that electrolytes are lost through sweat, urine, and illness, but for most people, plain water is sufficient. He stated: “Because if you’re doing intense exercise, especially in hot weather, or you’re running marathons or you’re losing a lot of fluids, then yes, replacing electrolytes can be really helpful. But for most people just living their normal day-to-day life. You don’t need to be adding electrolyte powders to your water. Your body is actually very good at regulating this on its own.”
Warning Against Adding Salt to Water
Dr Khan also addressed the online trend of adding salt to water: “Now, what about this idea of adding salt to your water, which I’m seeing a lot of online. For most people, that’s not necessary. In fact, it can mean you’re taking in more salt than you need, which over time can affect things like your blood pressure. For everyday hydration, plain water is absolutely fine.”
He concluded: “We’d be doing it for centuries before influencers came along. So, the bottom line is electrolytes are important, but they’re not something most of us need to overthink. If you’re sweating a lot, exercising hard, or unwell, yeah, they can help. Otherwise, eat a balanced diet, drink regularly, and don’t believe everything you see on TikTok.”
