Summer is the peak time for outdoor activities, family vacations, and long days in the sun. But during the summer months when the temperature is high and you’re sweating more than usual, keeping your body hydrated is very important. Find out the best ways to stay hydrated with our top 10 hydration-boosting tips:
1. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER EVERYDAY
Drinking plenty of water is always the best choice to stay hydrated in the summer. Be sure to drink enough water and take regular “water breaks” during the day.
2. BE ATTENTIVE OF HOW MUCH YOU SWEAT
Sweat is the way your body keeps itself cool. The more you sweat, the more fluids you’ll need to restore in your body.
3. KNOW YOUR WATER INTAKE NEEDS
The elderly and those who suffer from diabetes or heart disease may need more water to remain hydrated than others. If you have certain health conditions, be sure to consult with your doctor about any special precautions you should take to avoid dehydration.
4. CHECK YOUR URINE
The color of your urine is a key indicator of how much water you require in order to keep your body hydrated, and it can be a warning sign of dehydration. Urine should be pale yellow and clear. If it’s darker, that could be a sign of dehydration.
5. AVOID HAVING ALCOHOL
While a cold beer is tempting on a hot, summer afternoon, alcohol can actually make your body become more dehydrated. If you are drinking during the middle of the day, do so in moderation, and be sure to drink extra water to compensate.
6. ADJUST YOUR EXERCISE
Exercise is an important part of your physical health, and you shouldn’t leave it when the temperature increases. However, there are some precautions you can take that will help you avoid dehydration during summer: Exercise during cooler times of day, or exercise indoors.
7. TAKE COOL SHOWERS TO COOL DOWN
Although sitting in a cool bath doesn’t hydrate you, it does keep you from sweating as much, which in turn keeps you from losing fluid.
8. EAT FOODS THAT HAVE HIGH WATER CONTENT
Certain foods, such as cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, watermelon, kiwi, and apples, have “high water content” locked inside of them. These hydrating foods are also considered healthier than water because they are already purified, alkaline, pH-perfect, mineralized, full of nutrients, structured, and energized to absorb easily into your body cells.
9. SPORTS DRINKS
Some of the sports drinks can help you replace nutrients and fluids that your body have lost during exercise. While they do help to keep your body hydrated, water remains the best choice.
10. COCONUT WATER FOREVER
Packed with electrolytes, coconut water can be incredibly refreshing on hot summer days. But one important advice is you should stick to plain coconut water, which doesn’t contain added sugar, and don’t substitute it wholesale for water. (Unlike water, it contains calories!)
