MUMBAI, June 3, 2026 : As heat waves intensify across several parts of the country, health experts have warned that drinking water alone may not be enough to maintain proper hydration, emphasizing the critical role of electrolytes in protecting the body from heat-related illnesses.
Medical professionals caution that excessive sweating during extreme temperatures leads not only to the loss of water but also essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The depletion of these electrolytes can result in symptoms ranging from dizziness and headaches to muscle cramps, fatigue, low blood pressure, and even life-threatening complications.
Dr. Divya Gopal, Additional Director of Internal Medicine at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, explained that electrolytes are vital for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves and for maintaining the body’s fluid balance.
“During summer, the body loses both water and electrolytes through excessive sweating. If a person replenishes only water without restoring these minerals, it may dilute electrolyte levels further, causing fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, and persistent thirst,” she said.
According to Dr. Gopal, effective hydration during periods of intense heat should include electrolyte-rich fluids such as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), coconut water, buttermilk, lemon water with a pinch of salt, and balanced meals containing essential nutrients.
Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital, noted that dehydration is far more serious than simply feeling thirsty.
“When the body loses excessive amounts of water and minerals like sodium and potassium, several organs can be affected. Severe weakness, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, low energy levels, and difficulty concentrating are among the most common complications we encounter,” he said.
Dr. Bagwala added that worsening dehydration can cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting episodes. Vulnerable groups—including children, senior citizens, and individuals suffering from diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disorders—face a significantly higher risk of severe outcomes.
“In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to confusion, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsening of pre-existing medical conditions. Electrolyte imbalances may also trigger irregular heart rhythms and palpitations,” he warned.
Further highlighting the risks, Dr. Vimal Pahuja, Associate Director of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Physician at L H Hiranandani Hospital, said chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can greatly aggravate dehydration during the summer months.
“These medical conditions, along with certain medications used to treat them, can significantly disrupt the body’s fluid balance. The resulting reduction in circulating blood volume can lead to profound hypovolemia,” he explained.
For patients suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular disease, this can cause orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up—leading to dizziness, fainting, and falls. Reduced blood flow to vital organs may also result in acute kidney injury.
Dr. Pahuja further cautioned that diabetic patients taking SGLT2 inhibitor medications face an additional risk of developing euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially dangerous condition characterized by high levels of acidity in the bloodstream despite normal blood sugar readings.
With meteorological agencies forecasting continued heat wave conditions in several regions, health experts are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, consume electrolyte-rich fluids, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat-related illness appear.
