Sun and booze can be a heady cocktail when it comes to our health

Brits love to crack open a cold alcoholic drink as soon as the sun starts to peek through the clouds.

- By Camilla Foster

But while sunshine and alcohol may seem like a match made in summer heaven to many of us, this combination can have some unexpected, and potentially harmful, effects on your health.

1. DEHYDRATION

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK says: "Dehydration is the number one offender when it comes to drinking alcohol in the sunshine, bringing with it some not-so-fun symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, sickness and fatigue and in some cases needs medical attention."

"This is because alcohol acts as a diuretic, making you urinate more and lose essential fluids," adds Dr Ajay Bagga, senior GP leader at Nuffield Health. "Add in sweating from heat, and the risk of dehydration increases quickly." On very hot days, Dr Piper stresses that the safest option is to avoid alcohol, but if having a tipple he recommends alternating between alcoholic beverages and water.

Dr Bagga also recommends keeping a refillable water bottle with you at all times and taking regular sips, even if you're not thirsty.

2. HEAT STROKE AND EXHAUSTION