Summertime presents us with lots of opportunities to get outside. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trails or spending time in the garden, hydration is going to be essential. When you’re working or playing hard, and it’s hot outside, dehydration can hit fast. We’ve put together this guide for those who want to ensure they’re getting enough water. There are some quick and simple ways to know numerous ways to make sure you’re staying hydrated.
Signs You’re Dehydrated And How To Keep Hydrated
One clear sign you require water is being thirsty. It’s the primary method our body has for letting us know we’re getting low. Some people don’t recognize that they’re hungry or may not realize it’s an important sign. Your urine also holds clues that tell you if you’re getting enough water. The darker your urine comes out, the more dehydrated you likely are. You want your urine to be palish yellow, similar to lemonade. If it’s turning the color of apple juice, it’s time for more water.
For the majority of people, eight eight-ounce glasses per day will be sufficient hydration. If you’re out in the heat and sweating hard, you may find that you need more. Patients who have diabetes or using diuretic pills should consult with their doctor. These factors can result in a need to consume more water than the average person.
Summer can create some risky situations when it comes to hydration. When we’re out in the sun, our body starts to heat up. This heat causes our body to push more blood to the skin, making us sweat. The evaporation of sweat helps keep our bodies cool. If we aren’t cooling property, we may find that our body temperature rises. As our core temp rises, our heart works to keep blood flowing to the skin. Help your heart out with these tips
- Drink more water to replace that lost while sweating
- Be aware of the humidity; high humidity won’t let you cool as efficiently
- Stay inside during heat advisories, or visit your favorite swimming hole
Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages while enjoying the sun. These drinks can quickly lead to dehydration. Some common signs of dehydration are nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. These signs indicate the early stages of dehydration and can be offset by drinking water. More severe hydration will result in rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, chills, and darkening urine. The situation at this point is becoming dangerous, and you must get medical help.
Get Tips From Your Physician For A Safe Summer
Your physician can help you learn what steps to take to stay hydrated. They can also let you know if there are special considerations with any medication you’re on. Some medical conditions can result in higher water loss or a sensitivity to the sun. By speaking to your physician, you’ll know that all your bases are covered. Don’t let your summer get ruined by a failure to prepare. Learn what you need to do and keep hydrated all season long!
