Could icy drinks reduce the chances of heatstroke?

A new study is set to examine whether an icy drink taken prior to activity could protect older people from dangerous heat stress.

University of Brighton researchers want to determine whether drinking a slushy-style ice mixture could provide a solution to gut-related issues which can increase the effects of extreme heat, particularly in older and vulnerable populations.

The academics have said their research will explore a link between heat exposure and gut health and the benefits of cooling the body before heat exposure.

Gregor Eichhorn, a PhD student at the university's school of sport and health sciences, said: "We hope our findings can lead to practical solutions to prevent heat-related health issues".

When the body overheats, its natural gut barrier can weaken, allowing harmful bacteria and toxins to leak into the bloodstream, the research team said.

This leaky gut effect plays a key role in triggering heat stroke, one of the most dangerous forms of heat illness.

The study - which will take place between April and June - will look at how drinking a slushy-style ice mixture affects core body temperature and gut health during heat exposure.

Dr Neil Maxwell, who leads the Environmental Extremes Lab at the University of Brighton, said: "We know that heat can increase gut permeability, and that this effect is more pronounced in older people.

"But we don't yet know how best to offset that risk.

"This study is testing whether a very simple strategy – drinking something cold – can actually help prevent some of the harmful effects of heat stress."

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