Summer is a beautiful time full of many of God’s blessings! It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family and friends, and even celebrate things like national holidays. But with the heat comes a hidden danger that you need to be aware of–dehydration.
What Is Dehydration?
Our bodies are made mostly of water, and when we start to run low on that water, it can cause all sorts of problems. Your brain might confuse thirst for hunger, causing you to overeat. Worst case, your body might begin to experience organ damage if left dehydrated for too long.
What are the Signs of Dehydration?
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry skin
- Dry mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- Decreased urine output
- Exhaustion
- And more
How Can I Stay Hydrated
There are several things you can do to stay hydrated:
- Bring a water bottle with you everywhere — If you have water with you at all times, you’ll be more likely actually to drink water.
- Set reminders on your phone — A quick “ding!” on your phone might remind you throughout the day that it’s time to start sipping!
- Avoid caffeine — Did you know that drinks like Coke and coffee can dehydrate you? Avoid, or at least limit your caffeine drinks as much as possible. If you do drink a caffeinated beverage, make sure to drink an extra glass of water.
- Refuel after spending time outside — If you’ve been out in the heat, you need to replenish after you lose a lot of water via sweating. Drink up!
How Much Water Should I Drink in a Day
To find out how much water you should be drinking, a good rule of thumb is to take the number of pounds you weigh and convert them into ounces. Then divide that in half. So, if you weigh 200 lbs, you should drink 100 ounces of water daily.
