Did the amount of heat strokes increase because the sugar contained in sports drinks depletes minerals from the body? No, that's not true: It is said that the primary factors contributing to this phenomenon are the rise in tropical nights and exceptionally hot days, alongside an aging population.
According to Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, heat strokes occur when the body's ability to regulate temperature is compromised as a result of prolonged exposure to a hot and humid environment, leading to an increased body temperature. This condition can occur both indoors and outdoors, even when a person is at rest. In severe cases, emergency medical assistance is needed, and in certain instances, results in death.
The claim appeared in a TikTok video (archived here) on June 5, 2023. Here is what it says:
Media is manipulating us! Heat stroke is not caused by global warming. Heat stroke is caused by a large amount of sugar contained in sports drinks that deplete minerals from our body.
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Jun 9 13:48:06 2023 UTC)
The Ministry of Environment also states:
The conditions that cause heat stroke are considered to be due to "environment," "body" and "behavior." "Environmental" factors include high temperatures, high humidity, and weak winds.
"Physical" factors include the generation of significant heat in the body due to strenuous work and exercise, and the inability of the body to adequately cope with a hot environment.
One of the main contributors to heat strokes is the increasing frequency of tropical nights caused by global warming.
Ensuring the body's ability to cool down after a hot day is crucial for the well-being of humans. In tropical regions, the temperature often remains above 20°C even at night, making it challenging for the human body to cool down effectively, particularly for elderly or ill individuals. Consequently, an escalation in the frequency of tropical nights can result in increased mortality rates.
From May 29, 2023, to June 4, 2023, a nationwide total of 711 individuals were transported by ambulance due to heat stroke, as reported by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Nearly half of these cases involved individuals aged 65 or older.
