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Temperature of water important in thermoregulation, says study

Posted on: 23/Oct/2016 4:53:41 PM
A new study published in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine has said that temperature of water consumed may be as important as the amount when trying to manage thermoregulation. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Montana. 

Speaking about this, the researchers said, We demonstrated a unique relationship between fluid volume and fluid temperature during arduous work in the heat. It indicated that an ice slurry/water mixture was as effective as ambient water even when consumed in half the quantity. Investigators also emphasized the importance of rest. While the common approach to managing health in hot environments centers around maintaining hydration, limited attention is devoted to managing heat production from hard work or play. 

It should be obvious that as the temperature rises, so does the body`s need for proper fluid intake patterns. This ensures that blood and sweat volume can be maintained to continually enable heat loss through evaporative cooling, good old fashioned sweating. However, coaches, trainers, clinicians, medics, and safety officers continually emphasize the importance of proper hydration without providing sound guidance and attention to proper management of heat production from the working muscle. We want to emphasize that the temperature of fluids delivered will alter the physiological and thermoregulatory response during work in the heat. 

Consuming ambient temperature water did not improve the physiological or thermoregulatory responses compared to the one-half volume ice slurry/water mixture. Military training and operations, wildland fire suppression, and varied athletic/recreational pursuits require people to work or exercise in hot environments for extended periods of time. These activities also mandate the self-transport or frequent resupply of fluid to sustain performance for the duration of the work shift or event. For these individuals the weight of fluid that must be carried increases the metabolic demand and subsequent heat production, posing hindrances to completing the job or event.