Hydration Tips When It's Hot Outside
By Brandi Goodman
The summer heat can get dangerous fast. You need to do what you can to stay properly hydrated and feeling well if you're going to be out in it. With some hydration tips in mind, you can maintain your well-being no matter how hot it is outside.
Keep a Cooler of Water With You
You need to be drinking plenty of water when you're out in the sun. You'll most likely be sweating and losing your body's water in the process. Replenish it with a cool drink often. Keep a cooler with you filled with water bottles if you'll be out and about for the day. It will ensure you have a drink available when you need it. Letting water sit out in the sun will make it too warm to drink.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks aren't great for you to begin with. Add the summer heat to the mix, and you'll be dehydrated and feeling terrible quickly. You should avoid these types of drinks whenever possible, but especially when it's hot outside. Water is all you need.
Choose Hydrating Fruits and Veggies
Sure, all fruits and vegetables are beneficial for your body. Only some of them, however, are truly hydrating and worthwhile on particularly hot days. You need to choose hydrating fruits and veggies to eat that will help you up your water content. Watermelon, berries, peaches, cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini are some of the best choices.
Cool Off in the Water
You can help cool your body down by going into a body of water. Swim at the pool, head to the beach, or even jump into a pond. The cool water will help to reduce your body temperature and ease the hot feeling you might be experiencing on a toasty day. If you don't have a body of water nearby, you can at least keep a wet towel on the back of your neck to help.
Avoid the Heat When Possible
A heat warning is often issued on days when it's just too hot to be outdoors. Take heed of warnings like this one and make sure you're avoiding going outside when it isn't necessary to do so. It will help keep you safe indoors and prevent heat-related illnesses from setting in quickly. If you must be outdoors, do everything you can to stay hydrated and seek shade.
Don't forget to hydrate all summer long. When it's particularly hot outside, you need to especially be careful of what it is you're eating and drinking so you can keep your body satisfied. Water and fresh fruits and veggies are the best diet on hot days.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, Fla.