Drinking water is essential for not only staying healthy, but, it also helps maintain our optimal body temperature. During the summer months, keeping hydrated is especially important. Water is not the only source of hydration, it also comes from foods. Let’s talk about the essentials of hydration during the hot summer months.
Keeping hydrated has an impact on your health. It helps to regulate the circulation of your blood, as well as your kidney functions and heart rate. So how do we know if we are dehydrated and what can we do to help prevent it? When you are dehydrated your body starts to give you signs. Those signs can include having a dry mouth, becoming dizzy or having a headache. You can also feel more tired than normal. Thirst is often the first symptom of your body needing more water. It is important to try and prevent thirst by drinking as much water throughout the day.
When a person plays sports or is exercising, fluids leave the body through perspiration or sweat. If you are not sweating during your workout it is important to take note as this could be a sign of heat exhaustion. Before beginning any type of exercise routine it is suggested that a person drink water prior up to a few hours in advance. This amount varies depending on the person, but, can be anywhere from 14-22oz of water. During and post exercise one should continue to hydrate. The purpose is to build your bodies levels of water back to normal and to aid in post exercise recovery. Sitting outside in the sun can also cause dehydration, therefore it is important to monitor your fluid intake to avoid health issues.
Drinking water is not the only way we can stay hydrated, fruits also carry high amounts of water. Some of these fruits can include oranges and watermelon. Some other tips to keep hydrated include drinking water after you wake up in the morning and at dinner. A good rule of thumb is not to wait until you are thirsty to drink water, keeping up with fluids throughout the day will help avoid dehydration.
People often ask the question, “how much water should I drink each day?” The suggested water intake should be 64oz. This number is a recommended amount for a healthy adult. However, children, or adults with certain health conditions should discuss with their healthcare providers on what amount of water is best for them.
Keeping up with water intake year round is important to avoid dehydration and possible health issues.
