How To Stay Hydrated In The Scorching Heat

The months of August and September mean that most countries around the world are experiencing a sweltering heatwave. Most people are getting a first-hand experience of how easy it is to become dehydrated from the scorching heat. The human body weight consists of 60% water, which means that water drives almost all biological and biochemical processes in the body, including joint lubrication, blood pressure optimization, body temperature regulation, excretion, and digestion.  It is, therefore, essential to stay hydrated for overall well-being and good health.

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Here are some ways to stay hydrated, cool, safe, and healthy without running to the bathroom every minute.

1. Drink your water.

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. The consensus is to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Although this is a good rule of thumb, it is not absolute. You can drink more or less, depending on your fluid needs. You can use the color of your urine to determine if you are hydrated enough. It is advisable to drink more fluids when it is hot, especially if you work outside. But don’t overdo it.

2. Eat your water.

Eat water does not mean you have to chew water, because, let’s face it, no one can chew water. However, you can eat foods mostly made up of water to remain hydrated and replace lost electrolytes. The good thing is that some of those fruits are in season. They include cucumbers, watermelon, celery, peaches, cantaloupe, green bell peppers, radishes, tomatoes, strawberries, star fruit, and iceberg lettuce.

3. Pay attention to the fluids that leave your body as much as the ones that go in.

Paying attention to the color of your urine will help you monitor your level of hydration. If your urine is light in color and you keep going to the bathroom every hour or two, then you’re probably taking in enough liquids. However, if your urine is darker in color and you go to the bathroom less frequently, you could probably use a little more fluid.

4. Avoid coffee and alcohol.

While an ice-cold beverage might sound like a good idea, your body won’t find it as refreshing. Coffee and alcohol are examples of diuretics, meaning they dehydrate you more. If you cannot resist the impulse to have an ice-cold alcoholic beverage or coffee during the day, ensure you drink enough water between beverages to remain hydrated.

5. Know your sweat.

If you sweat more than the usual person or sweat out a lot of sweat, it might be in your best interest to carry a bottle of water along with you at all times. The heat will cause you to sweat, even more, causing you to lose more electrolytes and fluids. Some people even recommend adding a little salt to your water before any strenuous activity in the heat, like exercises, as this helps to balance your electrolyte levels.

6. Take probiotics

Maintaining good gut health helps keep you hydrated. Probiotics help to absorb nutrients and electrolytes in foods and drinks, keeping you hydrated. Not only that, but they also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause temporary intestinal problems, leading to dehydration.