They say you know it’s summer in the South when you’re practically living under a fan in your front porch, stinking of bug spray, listening to bullfrogs and whip-poor-wills and struggling to stay awake in 98-degree weather. But even for those who’re not trapped in the land-locked state and grappling with 94% humidity, being caught up in the throes of hot weather is not always comfortable.
As it is, 75% of American adults are chronically dehydrated. (They drink 2.5 cups a day instead of the recommended 8-10 cups.) And if you’re losing more fluids than you are taking in, you’re risking mild to moderate dehydration that can destabilize your overall wellness is so many ways.
Just look at these facts:
• A mere 1.5% of water loss can lead to dehydration.
• Every time you’re thirsty, your body is trying to tell you that you’re already mildly dehydrated.
• Dehydration can catch you off-guard and set in within an hour if you’re sweating profusely or indulging in strenuous physical activity.
To fight the menace of dehydration that summer invariably foists on you, here are 5 things you can do this year to make sure your hydration levels are high and you’re in good health and spirits:
# 1: Drink Water Even If You’re Not Thirsty
Water carries away heat from internal organs to the skin, making you sweat in summer. As the sweat evaporates, the body temperature comes down as well, helping organs to function at an optimal level.
# 2: Prepare For Exercise With Fluids
Before you exercise or do any strenuous activity in summer, prepare in advance with plenty of fluids. Drink plenty of water the day before, an hour before and an hour after you exert yourself.
# 3: Balance Beverages With Water
Alcohol, tea and coffee have diuretic effects, which is why you need to compensate for the water loss by increasing your intake of water if you indulge in any of these beverages.
# 4: Eat Liquid-Rich Foods
Did you know that the foods you eat contribute 20% of your daily fluid intake? Nature supports you during summer months with seasonal produce like melons, strawberries, tomatoes, plums, peaches etc. that are rich in electrolytes, carbohydrates and minerals. Take advantage of them!
# 5: Hydrate Yourself With IV Therapy
Replenish your system with fluids, nutrients and electrolytes via IV therapy. At Hydralive (find our locations by clicking HERE), we offer custom treatments that fight the ravages of summer by administering all the nutrients you need intravenously. No nutrient is lost through the digestion process when they’re introduced directly into the bloodstream, and this quick and safe method makes sure you can pursue an active life throughout summer and not worry about the debilitating effects of dehydration.