Healthy & Hydrated: What You Need To Know About H20
Posted on Aug 02, 2016
Posted in: Healthy Diet,Healthy Lifestyle
A nice, long drink of cold water on an 85 degree summer day is not only refreshing, it’s essential to your well-being! Without water, our organs can’t function properly, our bodies can’t maintain a stable temperature and our joints can’t stay lubricated. So, how can you fight dehydration during these hot summer months to keep your body running like well-oiled machine? Check out these simple tips and find out all you need to know about H20:
Know the symptoms
It’s important to be aware of your body and know that you may be dehydrated if you’re experiencing:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Headaches or dizziness/lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Extreme thirst
Spice it up
If you’re bored with the monotony of water, try adding some flavor! You can infuse your water with fruit, herbs, spices, vegetables and even edible flowers!
Follow the rule of 8’s
As a general rule, you should be drinking about eight 8-ounce cups of water each day. Some people need less and some people may need more, but the “rule of 8’s” is easy to remember!
Sip on tea or coffee
Even though these drinks are caffeinated, they can add to your daily water intake and can be a tasty break from your daily water routine!
Understand your risk level
You are at a higher risk of dehydration and need to pay closer attention to your H20 intake if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a fever or are sick
- Are either a child or older adult
- Have certain medication conditions
- Are outside during hot weather
- Are exercising
- Have been drinking alcohol
Turn to fruits and vegetables
About 20% of our daily water intake comes from fruits and veggies! Try out these foods that will help keep you hydrated.
Do the toilet test
Keep an eye on your urine. If you’re properly hydrated, it should be light yellow or even clear. Dark urine indicates that you may be dehydrated.
Keep a reusable water bottle with you
If you always have one with you, you can refill it multiple times throughout the day and don’t have to worry about wasting money on bottled water.
Remember that even though drinking enough water in the summer is extremely important, the importance of hydration is year round. Bottoms up!