MANILA- With summer fast approaching, Filipinos can again expect hot days which can cause heat exhaustion and in worse case scenarios, a heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and cannot cool down, according to the Department of Health.

"The body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment," it said in a health advisory.

And while the public is often advised to stay indoors and drink plenty of liquids to combat heat stroke, not all beverages help cool down the body.

Among the drinks that the public should avoid drinking during hot days are tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol since these are "diuretics."

Diuretics are food and drinks that induce the production of urine.

Too much urination during hot days can cause dehydration and loss of not only body fluids, but also electrolytes.

The DOH instead advises the public to drink more water to replenish body fluids.

• DOH nagbabala vs tigdas, heat stroke, iba pang sakit sa tag-init