Nothing quenches your thirst quite like water. Even so, three out of four Americans are chronically dehydrated. As summer approaches, it’s time to make hydration a priority.
H2 Oh No!
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, but it’s easy to forget in the midst of a busy day. If you’re chronically dehydrated, you may not even recognize the signs of thirst. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Infrequent urination
- Urine that is darker than normal
When you don’t drink enough water, every part of your body is negatively affected. Water helps energize your body, remove waste and keep joints lubricated. Excessive dehydration during the summer months is especially dangerous, as it can hinder your body’s ability to maintain its internal temperature. This is known as heat exhaustion, and it can cause permanent damage to your brain and other vital organs if left untreated.
Liquify Your Life
We lose liquids throughout the day through urine, sweat and even breathing. To replace this lost water, try the following tips:
- Be prepared. Going to the beach? Picnicking in the park? Determine beforehand where the nearest water source will be and bring extra fluids to be safe. Bring a water bottle. Whether you’re going for a long hike or just walking the dog, keep a reusable water bottle at your side and refill it regularly.
- Eat your liquids. Snack on plenty of fruit throughout the day, especially juicy fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe and citrus fruits.
Sources:
familydoctor.org, eatright.org, cdc.gov, runnersworld.com, msn.com