Hydrate In The Heat: 6 Tips For Drinking More Water

Did you know that if you’re feeling thirsty often, it could be due to dehydration? Consuming water is a necessity for keeping our bodies functioning. During the heat and humidity of the hottest months of the year, it is essential to up your fluid intake to stay healthy and enjoy summertime!

Put these six tips into practice to keep hydrated.

Calculate how much water you need

Most of us can’t go wrong by upping our water intake. If you want to calculate exactly how much water your body needs, it is good practice to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces (there are 8 ounces in one cup.)

Have a reusable water bottle on-hand

One of the easiest ways to drink enough water is by keeping a good size water bottle with you both at work and at home. Making this a habit will remind you to keep sipping on water throughout the day. Some water bottles include measurements to keep you informed on how much you are actually drinking!

Know what to eat

Food can provide up to 20% of the fluid your body needs each day. Fruits and veggies are the best way to consume water when eating, and these particular items contain at least 90% water: watermelon, broccoli, cauliflower, grapefruit, lettuce, radishes, and spinach. Add these nutritious ingredients to your meals for an extra boost in hydration.

Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

In addition to monitoring how you hydrate, it’s also important to know the things that can dehydrate your body. Beverages such as coffee, soda, and alcohol can cause dehydration as they stimulate the production of urine.

Naturally flavor your water

If you aren’t a fan of drinking water, try boosting the flavor by adding slices of citrus fruit or a splash of 100% real fruit juice. It can be a game-changer for those who find sipping water throughout their day to be a challenge.

Be aware of dehydration signs

Dehydration causes more than just thirst. Symptoms include muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, tiredness, and dark yellow or amber-colored urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, it could be your body telling you to drink water. Remember to hydrate before, during, and after physical activity to avoid dehydration.

Enjoy a refreshing summer drink with cucumber-lime water

Ingredients

• 1 pitcher of water
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4-5 limes

Directions

1. Squeeze lime juice into the pitcher of water
2. Add cucumber slices
3. Stir to mix well
4. Refrigerate to chill or serve over ice