In extreme heat, avoiding alcohol and caffeine is crucial for staying properly hydrated and maintaining your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Both substances are diuretics, meaning they can increase fluid loss through urine and contribute to dehydration. In hot environments—like Arizona summers where temperatures often exceed 100°F—your body is already losing significant fluids through sweat. Adding alcohol or caffeine into the mix can worsen dehydration, making you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Dehydration also affects blood circulation and cognitive function, increasing the risk of dizziness, confusion, and fainting.
Alcohol in particular impairs your body’s ability to sense and respond to rising temperatures. It can dull your awareness of symptoms like fatigue or overheating, leading people to push past safe physical limits without realizing it. Caffeinated beverages like coffee, energy drinks, or sodas may provide a temporary boost, but they don’t offer the hydration your body desperately needs in extreme heat. Instead, opt for water, electrolyte-rich drinks, or coconut water to stay safely hydrated. Making mindful choices about what you drink can mean the difference between a safe summer day and a dangerous medical emergency.
