As the temperatures rise, it can become hard for your body to regulate and cool. This can lead to severe health complications such as coma, seizures, kidney failure, shock swelling of the brain, and even death. It’s crucial to ensure your body is well hydrated during the summer to ensure the cells receive nutrients, prevent infections, keep your joints lubricated, and ensure organs function correctly. There are various ways to stay hydrated such as avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and drinking lots of fluids. Alternatively, you can consider IV therapy, an excellent dehydration treatment; it ensures you tackle dehydration before it becomes severe. This article will explore expert tips for thriving in the sizzling summer heat.
What Is the Amount of Water That You Should Drink
The amount of water you need to drink will depend on factors such as the additional food intake. Notably, at least 20% of the total fluid intake comes from our meals. Additionally, the amount you take will depend on your sex assigned at birth, such that men should drink at least 3.7 liters while women should take 2.7 liters per day. If you are exercising during summer, you should take even more water.
Signs of Dehydration During Summer
During summer, most people are often exposed to sunlight which can lead to dehydration, sunburns, heat exhaustion, cramps, and fainting. It’s crucial to note the early and progressive signs of dehydration and ensure you act steadily. Common symptoms of dehydration are increased thirst, muscle cramps, dry mouth, dizziness, irritability, confusion, altered consciousness, and dark-colored urine. It’s crucial to ensure you order your IV therapy for fast hydration.
Tips to Stay Hydrated During Summer
- Wear Summer Clothing
The temperature is high in summer, and your body organs can often be affected. Wearing warm clothes can only make the matter worse and promote dehydration. If you are going on a summer vacation, pack light clothes. Always look for loose-fitting and light-colored cotton clothes that can help regulate temperature. Dark clothes are known to absorb heat, which might make you lose water through sweating. In addition, wearing tight clothes makes it hard for your sweat to evaporate; instead, they will absorb the sweat. Sweating is crucial in helping your body to cool hence need to wear clothes that allow you to sweat.
- Drink Adequate Water and Fluids
Staying hydrated is not complicated. You only need to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Since water alone can be demotivating, sometimes you can substitute it with other drinks such as fresh buttermilk, coconut water, lemon water, and fruit juices. However, you should avoid sugary drinks since they will lead to more dehydration.
- Avoid Exposing Yourself to Direct Sunlight
Sunlight is the leading cause of dehydration and increased temperatures. Staying exposed to sunlight can dry your skin, affecting your body cells and general health. It’s crucial to avoid walking at midday since the sun is the hottest. If you have to go, ensure you wear sunglasses, use an umbrella, and walk in the shade. Furthermore, you must look for wide-brim hats to cover and protect you from direct sunlight. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen with SPF higher than 15 to protect you from sunburns. If you go to the swimming pool, you can consider using a water-resistant sunscreen with a higher rating. You can incorporate using lip balm with SPF protection to block out the sun rays.
- Eat Plenty of Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits can help keep you hydrated. During summer, eat fruits such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, tomato, oranges, banana, and grapes since they are rich in minerals and electrolytes. Eating fruits is enjoyable and can motivate you to stay hydrated. Additionally, you must avoid oily and spicy pungent foods as they increase acidity.
- Avoid Diuretics
When drinking fluids or eating food, you must avoid diuretics since they promote water loss through urine. Diuretics are substances that increase the production of urine. Most substances contain caffeine and alcohol, such as cola and coffee. You aim to maintain as much liquid as possible in your body.
End Note
The above are incredible tips to incorporate during summer to ensure you are well-hydrated. Contacting a reputable company offering hydration services, such as iv, is crucial in emergencies.
John Davis is a seasoned health journalist with expertise in public health and medical research. Holding a degree in health sciences, John excels in making complex health topics understandable and engaging for his readers. His articles, featured in top health publications, cover everything from cutting-edge treatments to public health policies. Outside of journalism, John is an advocate for health education and frequently speaks at community events.