As we learned within the last few weeks, summer is here, and so are triple digit temperatures! As you try to stay cool, you need to be sure to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Don't wait until your mouth is dry, your skin is flushed, or you feel lightheaded. You should drink enough fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Factors that can cause you to dehydrate more quickly include sweating and increased breathing during exercise or illness with fever, but medications and supplements that promote increased urination (diuretics) can also cause water to move out of the body.
Water is an essential nutrient for life. More than 70% of our bodies are made up of water, and water is necessary for many of our basic functions such as regulating body temperature, removing wastes, moisturizing our skin, lubricating our joints, and carrying oxygen to our cells.
The following tips may help you keep hydrated:
- Have a glass of water when you first get up in the morning
- Keep a glass of water next to the bed
- Enjoy an herbal tea in the afternoon or evening
- Carry water with you if away from home for long periods
- Drink before you feel thirsty
- Limit sugary, caffeinated beverages
- Choose drinks with 10 or fewer calories
- Know the signs of dehydration
- The best choice of fluid is water!
