Avoid These Foods When Dehydrated
By Sara Butler
As the temperatures outside soar, your body needs to stay hydrated in order to function properly. When your body loses more water than you take in, then you can become dehydrated. But it's not simply sweating that can zap your body of water. Certain beverages and foods can cause your body to lose water, too. That is why, in order to stay hydrated, you need to avoid certain foods and drinks. Here are a few of those.
Soda
It might feel nice to sip on a soda pop when it's hot out, but the sugar in soft drinks cause draw water from your body and deplete it of the fluids you need to stay hydrated. Plus, the caffeine in sodas can also cause further fluid loss. So, what may seem like a refreshing beverage when you're feeling thirsty is anything but.
Coconut Water
This one may seem surprising to many. Water is in the name, after all! But the truth is that the added sugars in coconut water make it far less hydrating than regular water. You're better off drinking regular water over coconut water no matter what, whether you're recovering from exercise or not.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a healthy vegetable to eat, but not a great choice if you're dehydrated. That's because an amino acid in asparagus causes your body to release water. That doesn't mean you should avoid it, since it's a great source of antioxidants or fiber, simply choose to eat it when you're not dehydrated.
Beets
Beets are also diuretics, which means that they cause your body to lose water. These vegetables are high in potassium, which can also help to eliminate fluids from the body and also help to flush your liver. Feel free to eat these vegetables in moderation, but going overboard can cause you to lose more water if you're already dehydrated.
Cured Meat
Meats that have been cured, such as lunch meat, are often loaded with sugar and salt that also work to deplete your body of water it needs. Opt for non-cured, grass-fed meat if you want to help yourself stay hydrated.
Fried Foods
Hidden sources of salt are a sure way to lose water and make you even more dehydrated. Fried foods are a huge source of hidden salt as well as sugars. So, it's probably a good idea to avoid fried foods when it's really hot outside -- and perhaps all the time, since they're not great for your overall health, either.
With temperatures soaring outside, make sure to avoid dehydrating yourself further with these foods.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Buford, Ga.