In this article about staying hydrated during the summer, we will discuss
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating water-rich foods
- Avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol
- Adding electrolytes to water
- Carrying a reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal health, minimizing cravings and feeling your best. In the heat of the summer, however, it is common to become dehydrated due to excess sweating or constantly running the air conditioning in your home.
Here are five ways to stay hydrated this summer…
1) Drink plenty of water
Water is the most effective and natural way to stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses (about 2 liters) of water per day, but individual needs may vary depending on factors like age, activity level, and climate. Prioritize drinking water throughout the day, and make sure that you drink high quality mineral water, or add in your own minerals, for better hydration.
2) Eat water-rich foods
Incorporate foods with high water content into your diet. Fruits like watermelon, oranges and strawberries, as well as vegetables like celery, lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes contain a high percentage of water that can help you stay hydrated. Cucumbers also contain silica, which helps form the building blocks of collagen leaving your skin looking more hydrated as well.
3) Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol
Excessive intake of both caffeine and alcohol (which has other negative side effects in general) can lead to dehydration. These drinks act as diuretics, causing you to lose more water through increased urination. Additionally, we are rather dehydrated when we first wake up in the morning, and immediately chugging coffee can make this worse. Drink a glass of water in the morning with a pinch of Himalayan salt before enjoying your coffee to prevent excessive dehydration.
4) Add electrolytes to your water
Electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium and sodium all help to ensure proper hydration and mineral balance in the body. Simply drinking plain water is not as hydrating and can actually lead to mineral imbalances if it is lacking in these important minerals. My favorite electrolyte packets are from Halo Hydration, which you can buy online here.
5) Carry a reusable water bottle
Keep a water bottle with you at all times, whether you’re at work, running errands, or exercising. Having a water bottle on hand makes it more convenient to drink water frequently and helps you avoid relying on sugary or high-calorie beverages while on-the-go.