Importance of Staying Hydrated

One of the most important things we can do during the summer is stay hydrated. This means that we intake more water than we lose. We lose water as we breathe, sweat, and go to the bathroom. Summer hydration is so important because the heat causes us to lose even more water than usual.

A simple way that you can see if you’re well hydrated is to check the color of your urine. A well-hydrated person will have light yellow urine. If your urine is darker and is more similar in color to apple juice, you are probably dehydrated.

The best fluid to drink to rehydrate is water. Sports drink, diluted fruit juice, milk, and soda can also provide relief, however, these add more calories and sugar to your diet. In addition, caffeinated beverages may cause dehydration rather than aid hydration. If water doesn’t cut it for you, try adding sliced lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber to give it more flavor!

The best way to stay hydrated is to drink all throughout the day – bring your water bottle with you wherever you go and re-fill when necessary! Drink water when you wake up, before every meal, or every time you pass a water fountain. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Here are some of the benefits of staying hydrated:

• Vital for functioning of body
• Protects & cushions organs
• Lubricates joints
• Regulates body temperature
• Carries away waste
• Improves alertness
• Improves productivity
• Improves mood

Sources:
"Avoiding Dehydration, Proper Hydration." Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, n.d. Web. 09 July 2013. <http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/dehydration/hic_avoiding_dehydration.aspx>.

Hatfield, Heather. "The Quest for Hydration." WebMD. WebMD, LLC., n.d. Web. 09 July 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/quest-for-hydration>.

"The Importance of Hydration." Fit for the Health of It Fact Sheets. Texercise, n.d. Web. 17 May 2013.

"Water and Nutrition." CDC.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 06 Feb. 2012. Web. 17 May 2013.

"Water in the Workplace." Wise Up On Water. Royal College of Nursing, Feb. 2006. Web. 17 May 2013.