There are a lot of benefits to staying hydrated and drinking water. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, have clearer skin, flush out toxins in your body, and even boosts your immune system.
Additionally, as summer approaches its peak, it can be harder to maintain proper hydration due to high temperatures causing our bodies to sweat and overwork. That’s where these tips for staying hydrated will come in handy. Review them with your family to stay cool all summer long.
Staying Hydrated Tip #1- Understand how much water your body needs everyday.
An individual’s water requirements are based on their weight and physical activity. To find out how many ounces of water you need to drink daily, simply multiply your weight by two-thirds. Finally, add 12 more ounces of water to that total for every 30 minutes of physical activity you engage in throughout the day. That final number is how many ounces of water you need to consume per day to keep hydrated.
Staying Hydrated Tip #2- Be wary of caffeine and alcohol.
If you plan to have a cup of coffee in the morning, or alcohol to unwind on the weekend, make sure you’re rehydrating with water after. Substances like alcohol or caffeine can cause your body to become dehydrated, so be careful, and don’t drink in excess. Also, be wary of various soft drinks and sodas which may have caffeine hidden in them. These can dehydrate you too.
Staying Hydrated Tip #3- Use technology to stay hydrated.
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should be drinking water throughout the day. If you have trouble remembering to drink water, consider downloading an app to remind you to drink water. Additionally, many of these apps allow you to log water intake throughout the day, and even track your goals.
You can even utilize something like a smart water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Smart water bottles sync information to your smart phone or watch, and glow to remind you to drink.
Staying Hydrated Tip #4- Consume your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Many fruits and vegetables naturally contain water, and are a healthy snack to enjoy throughout the day. Therefore, make sure you consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables every day to stay hydrated and healthy.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can be serious, especially in the summer. Signs of dehydration often include: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, increased thirst, dry skin or mouth. Make sure you rehydrate with water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
It’s important to listen to your body when it needs water because dehydration can lead to serious conditions like heat exhaustion and stroke. If you notice a family member or friend exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, people with medical conditions, young children, and the elderly are at greater risk for dehydration, so be sure to keep your children hydrated, check on your elderly family members, and remember these tips for staying hydrated during a heatwave.
Being dehydrated isn’t the only thing that can harm you or your family this summer, check out our summer safety tips by clicking the button below.
