Published: August 04, 2008 09:31 pm      

Why caffeine zaps the body in summer

EDMOND — An EMSA supervisor-paramedic says the caffeine in your favorite soft drink can have a harmful effect on your body, especially in 100 degree-plus summer heat.

Tony McCarty, EMSA operations supervisor and paramedic, said caffeine causes your heart rate to increase, which causes your metabolism to increase. That process produces more heat the body has to dissipate, and if it is not properly dissipated, it can cause heat cramps. Heat cramps happen due to a lack of electrolytes and potassium. Further dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke happens when the body’s sweating mechanism totally exhausts itself, and that’s when the heat starts “cooking” your brain cells. Further deterioration leads to unconsciousness — and death.

To reverse dehydration, drink plenty of water hours before going out into the heat. Drink Gatorade and eat a banana to replace lost electrolytes.