In the hot summer heat, it can be really easy to get dehydrated.
When our body temperature increases, we tend to sweat to cool ourselves—which causes our bodies to release large amounts of that valuable stored water.
Our bodies are about 60% water.
Therefore, it’s really important that we maintain a high water level so that we avoid dehydration.
Getting dehydrated is dangerous, and can lead to issues like excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes even worse things—like heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion.
But how do you keep dehydration from happening when the summer hits and the heat really starts to set in?
This is a good question.
And in this blog post, we’re going to give you 4 tips for how to make it happen.
1. Drink Water Every Hour
While you’re out and about in the summer heat, it’s really important to consume water every hour.
Exactly how much you’ll need to consume will depend mostly on how thirsty you are and on how hot it actually is.
With that being said, just making sure that you’re consuming liquids every hour is incredibly important.
For best results, drink water—but sports drinks (that include electrolytes) can also be useful.
2. Avoid Drinks That Contain High Sodium Levels
Some energy drinks and different types of soda actually contain a lot of sodium.
And contrary to popular belief, these things can actually work to dehydrate you even more.
Of course, if you don’t have any liquids on hand, it’s always better to drink these things than to drink nothing.
However, the best-case scenario is always to drink more water and less soda.
3. Take Breaks To Stay Cool
As you embark on adventures in the hot summer months, it’ll be really important to take breaks from your physical activity to sit down, cool off, and find some respite from the sun.
Being directly in the sun can dehydrate you even more.
So try your best to make sure that you get some breaks so that you can give your body time to rest and recover.
4. Eat Foods With High Water Content
Foods like fruits and vegetables often contain more water than other foods (like potato chips or french fries).
And these foods can be great for helping to keep you hydrated as well.
When it’s really hot outside, and when you’re in danger of being dehydrated, avoid high sodium foods that don’t contain any water—and opt instead for foods that contain higher water levels.
Some foods that fall into this category include watermelon, cucumber, oranges, etc.
Conclusion
Staying safe in the summer months is important—and partly, this means protecting yourself from the dangerous effects of dehydration.
Hey, that hot sun is no joke. It’ll dry you out like a raisin if you aren’t careful!
Following these tips, however, should help you to keep your body water levels high enough to keep you safe, healthy, and out of harm’s way.
You’ve got this!
Stay safe out there!