As the summer heats up, be aware that there are numerous strategies that you can employ to prevent dehydration this season.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Obviously, water is the beverage of choice when it comes to staying well hydrated. When possible, avoid sugary soft drinks or juices which contain large amounts of sugar and lower your intake of caffeinated beverages which can have the dehydrating effect of pulling water from your body.
• Choose snacks with a high water content such as most fruits or raw vegetables like radishes and celery. Add some hummus or dip to add flavor. Also, watermelon is an excellent choice when you are craving something sweet as it contains a high water content.
• Rehydrate before and after exercising. Be sure to drink plenty of water at about 30-60 minutes before a work-out and immediately afterwards to replenish water that you lose when you sweat.
• Carry a large water bottle with you when you leave the house. Drug stores and grocery stores carry bottles that can hold 64 ounces of water to ensure that you get your daily supply. Fill up the bottle before you leave the house so that you have it on hand at all times.
• Avoid sugary snacks and high sodium levels which can make you feel more dehydrated and thirsty.
• If you are not inclined to drink water on a frequent basis, get into the habit of drinking water on a schedule such as aiming for 2 glasses of water in the morning, two in the middle of the day, one in the early evening and one at the end of the day.
• If you prefer beverages with flavor, try adding some lemon or lime to you water. This also has the benefit of alkalizing your body’s internal ph system.
Most importantly, know the signs of dehydration such as headache, dry mouth and fatigue and dizziness.
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