Keeping cool during the hot summer months can be really hard. Since you were little your parents always said, “Drink more water, it’s good for you...” After all, water is the most essential ingredient in our diet. Even though we know it’s true, many of us still don’t get enough water. Some people think it's boring and don’t like the taste. Others just get too busy they simply forget.
Drinking water does so much more than just quench your thirst. It helps your body to feel and function at its absolute best. While following the 8x8 rule may not be necessary, it is worthwhile to drink water on a regular basis to take advantage of its many benefits.
Staying hydrated helps the body control calories, energize muscles, relieve constipation, and keeps the skin looking fresh. Don’t wait for your body to tell you it’s thirsty… Follow these tips to help you stay hydrated so you can beat the heat and stay healthy all summer
If you don’t like drinking plain water, have you tried “eating” it? Look for water-constituted foods to help you overcome your daily hydration struggles. Try adding at least one fruit or vegetable, such as cucumbers, celery, or watermelon to every snack and meal. You can even substitute carbs and heavy starches, such as pasta with zucchini noodles, for a healthier and more hydrating meal. It’s nutritious and surprisingly delicious!
Maybe it’s summer love or maybe it’s heat exhaustion, either way, our brains can get a bit fuzzy in the summer. A case of mild dehydration will affect your mood, energy levels, and even your ability to think clearly. Taking a look at your urine is one of the best ways to detect if you’re dehydrated. The key is the color. If it’s amber or dark yellow then it’s time to hydrate. If it’s clear or pale yellow then you’ve been drinking enough water. Pretty easy to remember!
Every day feels like a year when you’re practicing social distancing, so we don’t blame you for wanting to get out more. See, proper hydration isn’t just about drinking water… It’s about regulating body temperature too. Dangerously high temperatures in the summer can cause heat strokes, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. In addition to drinking water, try wearing loose clothing with light colors and avoiding layers. Look for places to exercise in the shade or wait til’ the sun goes down. Whatever you do, just don’t forget your water bottle!
Drinks such as sodas, energy drinks, coffees, and juices may give you quick relief, but they actually work against hydration. They’re filled with sugars and sodium that eliminate water from your body tissue. This effect will leave you feeling thirstier and can cause a “crash” instead of a boost. The extra carbs can also make you feel tired and sluggish. Try staying away from the party drinks and swapping them for a healthier alternative.
Coconut water can quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes from exercise and hot temperatures. It’s sweet, naturally refreshing and packed with potassium, magnesium, and calcium. You can even add some fresh fruit, like lemon or tangerine, or even herbs to spruce things up.
Your body performs best within a certain temperature range. When you overheat, your body starts to sweat. Sweating is the body’s natural reaction to high temperatures. It helps the body cool down, get rid of toxins, and cleanse pores. It’s an essential part of our everyday activity, but too much can lead to symptoms of dehydration such as headache, weakness, and fatigue. Drinking enough water replenishes the fluids you’ve lost allowing you to perform at your optimal level.
Little by little, you’ll feel the benefits of proper hydration, whether you drink water or use alternative methods like nutrient IV therapy which also happens to boost your immune system and provide your body with essential nutrients it needs to function properly. Maintaining your body hydrated also bring benefits for your brain and can greatly improve your sleep as we talked about on this article.
And remember, the most common cause of dehydration is easily not drinking enough water throughout your day. Thus, prevention is the most important way to treat dehydration. Don’t wait for your body to say it’s thirsty. Maintaining proper hydration is the key to help you look, feel, and perform at its best. Follow these tips to stay healthy and stay hydrated this Summer!