HYDRATION IS KEY! Your body uses water for survival day to day. All of your organs, muscles and tissues need water to run properly…water is the cause of good health (Family Doctor). Lack of water can cause dehydration which can affect your energy and possibly your health. According to the Family Doctor.com, the symptoms of dehydration are…

  • Little or no urine, or urine that is darker than usual
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Extreme thirst
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • No tears when crying

How much water should I drink to avoid dehydration?

For someone who isn’t very active or doesn’t sweat a lot, you should drink around 8-9 cups of water daily. If you are someone who exercises on a regular basis the amount of water intake increases. You should be drinking more around 10-11 cups of water daily because you are sweating more and when you sweat you are losing water in the body. So you must replenish the water you are losing. A simple way of keeping track is to carry a water bottle market with ounces. Aim for a minimum of half your body weight in ounces (75 oz for a 150 lb person).

Can I drink things other than water?

Although water is the best source for hydration, there are some alternatives. With more fruits coming into season, they would be a great alternative for staying hydrated without having to drink water. Fruits that contain high amounts of water include: blueberries, peaches, oranges, pineapples, watermelons, and many more. To get the greatest amount of water out of these fruits you can eat them, or if you want more of a drink style, you can make them into smoothies. But instead of adding the dairy products like milk and yogurt, just add water. It will taste more like flavored water. Now if you don’t want to have to blend your own drinks, Vitamin Water is the next best thing. It is low in calorie and added sugars, but still does its job in keeping you hydrated.

Why is it important to stay hydrated?

Not only does staying hydrated help keep you energized and your organs stay healthy, but it also helps a ton with your nutrition plan. If you are trying to watch what you eat but don’t drink enough water, you are going to feel hungry more often. Water helps fill you up and if you think you are hungry, drink more water. If you are still hungry then your body is telling you that it needs food. Being hydrated is one of the most important things throughout the day to make sure you keep doing…besides breathing of course!

So as you go outside in this beautiful sunny and 75 weather, make sure to grab a water bottle to help keep you hydrated throughout your daily activities!