As the temperatures rise, hydration becomes even more important than it usually is. Whether you’re working out in the heat, or just enjoying the warm weather, it’s vital to stay hydrated, to prevent heat stroke and keep your blood circulating properly. Water is an often overlooked nutrient, essential to the body, and serving as solvent for many important biochemical functions, supplying nutrients and removing waste from the body. Fortunately, it’s easier to stay hydrated than you may think.
- Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Invest in a BPA free water bottle, and make sure you keep it full all the time. Water is the most important thing you can drink, because our bodies are largely comprised of water, and even a loss as small as 2% of your body water can cause serious fatigue and cardiovascular impairment.
- Boost your mood with soothing liquids. Feeling the midday slump? Grab a glass of ice water. Trying to relax before bed? Make yourself a cup of herbal tea. By incorporating fluids into your daily routine, you’ll be not only making yourself feel better, but also hydrating your body.
- Remember that most drinks provide hydration, but not alcohol. Even though coffee and tea contain caffeine, it doesn’t discount the benefits of the fluid in them. Alcohol, on the other hand, is extremely dehydrating.
- When you’re working out, alternate water and sports drinks. This will help you balance out not only fluid loss, but also the loss of sodium.
- Eat your liquid, rather than drinking it. A diet full of whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, will help you get the hydration you need. On the other hand, processed foods, like chips and baked goods, contain very little water.
At our clinic, we embrace an integrated approach to wellness, treating our patients as whole people. To that end, we strive to continually provide useful information to help our patients find their own path to wellness, encouraging them to select nutritious food, healthy exercise, and good lifestyle choices. For more information about how we can help you live a healthier life, call today for your free consultation.
