The guidance comes as England finds itself in the grip of its most severe heat warning in years

Health officials have issued amber heat health alerts across large parts of England, with the NHS advising Britons to avoid some of the nation’s favourite drinks, including tea, coffee and alcohol, as temperatures rise.

The UK Health Security Agency has placed amber alerts across the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East.

Additional yellow alerts cover the South West, North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, running until 5pm next Wednesday.

So what should you be drinking, and what should you avoid?

The health service specifically flags alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks as beverages to steer clear of in hot weather, recommending cold food and drinks instead.

While cold beer and coffee might feel hydrating, both can speed up dehydration, which is one of the main risks during a heatwave.

What's more, not drinking sufficient water can further dehydrate the body, and overheating can worsen symptoms for people with heart and breathing problems.

Cool water remains the NHS’s top recommendation. Sports drinks can also help anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion, including tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, and intense thirst.

If heat exhaustion is not addressed within 30 minutes, it can lead to heatstroke, which is life-threatening.

But hot days also drive a surge in emergency room visits for urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

Research shows that during major heat events, deaths from heart attacks, asthma and kidney disease spike sharply.

Who is most at risk?

Older people, particularly women over 75, as well as those living alone or in care homes, are most vulnerable to extreme heat.

But people with long-term conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s and some mental health conditions are also at higher risk, as are babies and young children.

Beyond drinks, the NHS advises staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen, a hat and light clothing, and avoiding exercise in the heat.

Britons can keep their homes cool by closing their windows during the day and opening them at night. Electric fans are effective below 35C.