Our bodies are comprised of 50-70% water. A reduction of as little as 1-2% of our body water can result in cognitive issues and increased fatigue. The heat of the summer will drive water losses through sweat, and even more with exercise, all of which can lead to dehydration. So what can you do to make sure you are covered this summer?
- Drink water as your primary beverage and avoid high sugary drinks, alcoholic drinks, and caffeinated beverages.
- Monitor your intake through a smartphone app.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (yes they contain water!).
- Keep a graduated water container in plain sight as a reminder to drink.
- Mix it up by drinking infused water. It tastes great and doesn’t contain added sugar or chemicals.
Infused water is easy to make and one of my favorite things to do. I typically will toss some fruit or berries into one or more largemouth mason jars and let them infuse overnight, so I am ready for the morning. I like watermelon and basil or mint; slices of grapefruit or blood orange; cucumber, mint, and a slice of lime; or just simple lemon water. At a minimum, you will want the mixture to infuse for 3-4 hours. If you are looking for further inspiration, Wellness Mama has some great recipes for this! https://wellnessmama.com/3607/herb-fruit-infused-water/
If you engage in summer exercise, hydration is especially important. But instead of drinking down an athletic drink, which can have 34 grams of sugar (almost as much as a 12 oz soda) and is full of food coloring, why not try one of these healthier alternatives?
- Plain Coconut Water (https://www.vitacoco.com/ or https://harmlessharvest.com/)
- Vega Sport Electrolyte Hydrator (https://myvega.com/products/vega-sport-hydrator?variant=13113703268395)
- Nuun Hydration (https://nuunlife.com/)
- Roar Electrolyte Infusions (https://roarorganic.com/)
Please note that the Roar Electrolyte Infusion does contain erythritol which may be an issue for some individuals who have an issue with sugar alcohols.
Until next time…
The products recommended above are ones that I personally like. I am not in any way affiliated with these companies.