It’s hot in Raleigh, NC, and that makes it easy in the summer to suffer from dehydration, especially if you’re doing something physical. Even mild dehydration can cause physical problems, which is why it’s important to find ways to stay hydrated. If you want to feel your best, be your sharpest and look fantastic, adequate hydration is important. Don’t turn to soft drinks or coffee to do it and unless you’re working out over an hour, sports drinks aren’t necessary. Instead, turn to the world’s best diet drink that has zero calories—water.
Why is it important to stay hydrated?
Your brain and your heart are approximately 73% water, and they’re two of the most important organs in the body. Every time you breathe, the air goes into your lungs, which is 83% water. Consider what would happen if you don’t have enough fluid. It would affect your brain, lungs and heart. You’d feel mentally confused, have rapid breathing and a rapid heartbeat. It only makes sense that it’s important to sip water throughout your workout to prevent that from occurring and make your workout better.
Carry a bottle of water with you at all times and you’ll be less prone to dehydration.
Drinking water throughout the day, so you get at least eight 8-oz glasses of water, is important. On days when you sweat profusely, increase your water intake. Have you ever noticed how delicious watermelon or other juicy fruit sounds on a hot day, even if you’re full? It may be because you’re craving the liquid in the fruit. Too often people mistake thirst for hunger and eat trying to fill their craving. If you drink a glass of water when you feel hungry, it will fill you up and fill the need for fluid, if that’s the problem. It could be just the tip you need to lose more weight.
So how do you drink more water?
Coffee just won’t do. It is a diuretic. Sugary drinks are also off the list of acceptable drinks, if for nothing more than just adding empty calories. If you don’t like the flavor of plain water, why not try some infused water. Just add cut up fruit, vegetables or herbs to water and allow the flavors to blend into the water for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator. There are many benefits of drinking infused water, depending on what you infuse it with. However, most people love the fact that it’s healthy, has few if any calories and tastes delicious. It can even help you lose weight.
- Instead of a sports drink, consider drinking coconut water. Coconut water consumed on a regular basis can help control blood pressure and improve digestion. It aids in maintaining electrolyte balance.
- If you’re feeling sleepy or tired and want a wake up cure, don’t head for the coffee. Instead, try drinking a glass of cold water. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it wakes you up.
- Enjoy an ice cold herbal tea in the summer and a warm cup in the winter. Herbal tea, such as hibiscus, rose or chamomile tea are good ones to hydrate you and taste delicious. They have other benefits, too.
- If you’re older, be more vigilant about staying hydrated. Seniors dehydrate quicker and often miss the cues that they’re thirsty. Even mild dehydration in seniors can cause UITs and symptoms that resemble dementia.
For more information, contact us today at Evolution Lifestyle Fitness