This iced coffee contains water, right?” “Just one more glass of rosé, and then I’ll switch to water.”
We’ve all been there. It’s really easy to get dehydrated—not to mention sunburned—come summertime. These are issues to be wary of year-round, but they’re particularly tricky in warmer weather.
“Staying hydrated in the heat can be more challenging than in cooler temperatures because we lose a significant amount of fluid through our skin in the form of sweat,” Jonah Soolman, RD, a nutritionist and certified trainer at Soolman Nutrition and Wellness in Wellesley, Mass. tells Health. Since we need to replace the fluid lost in that sweat, Soolman explains that “our hydration needs tend to be higher than when the temperature is more mild or cold.”
A 2004 report from the Food and Nutrition Board suggested that men aim for about 3.7 liters of water a day and women aim for about 2.7 liters a day. But that may change in different environments: Hot or humid weather can necessitate additional fluid intake, as can high altitudes.
Why does hydration matter so much? “[It’s] important for several reasons, including body temperature stability, bowel regularity, reduced kidney stone risk, and filtering waste products, just to name a few,” Soolman says.
Well, then. Here are tips for hydrating yourself while keeping the process exciting, tasty, and good-looking. (Allow us to explain.)
1. DRINK WATER – AND LOTS OF IT
Drinking plenty of water remains the #1 way to stay hydrated in the summer. Be sure to drink more water than usual and schedule regular “water breaks” during the day.
2. BE AWARE OF HOW MUCH YOU SWEAT
Sweat is the way your body cools itself (remember that it is not sweating that cools the body, but the evaporation of sweat.) The more you sweat, the more fluids you’ll need to replenish. It is not unusual for athletes running football drills to lose 5 pounds or more of sweat during practice.
3. KNOW HOW MUCH WATER YOU NEED
The elderly and those who have diabetes or heart disease may need more water to remain hydrated than others. If you have certain health conditions, be sure to speak with your doctor about any special precautions you should take to avoid dehydration.
4. CHECK YOUR URINE
The color of your urine is a key indicator of how much water you need, and it can be a warning sign of dehydration. Urine should be pale yellow and clear. If it’s darker, you could be dehydrated.
5. AVOID ALCOHOL
While a cold beer is tempting on a hot, summer afternoon, alcohol can actually cause you to become more dehydrated. If you are drinking during a heat wave, do so in moderation, and be sure to drink extra water to compensate.
6. CAFFEINE?
We added the question mark for a reason. For years, people were warned about the dehydrating effects of caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic (meaning it causes you to go to the bathroom more often), and the concern was that drinking sodas, coffee, and other caffeine-filled treats would have a detrimental effect. According to studies by the University of Connecticut, that’s not necessarily the case. Research has shown that the body does retain some of the hydrating fluid in caffeinated drinks. So, why did we include the question mark? While caffeine is not taboo, it still doesn’t have the hydrating benefits of water.
7. ADJUST YOUR EXERCISE
Exercise is an important component of your physical health, and you shouldn’t abandon it when the temperature rises. However, there are some precautions you can take that will help you avoid dehydration: Exercise during cooler times of day, or exercise indoors. Ease into your exercise program and pace yourself, particularly if there is a heat wave. Speak to your doctor if you plan on doing extensive exercise outdoors.
8. TAKE COOL SHOWERS OR BATHS TO COOL DOWN
Although sitting in a cool bath doesn’t hydrate you, it does keep you from sweating as much, which in turn keeps you from losing fluid.
9. EAT FOODS THAT HAVE A HIGH WATER CONTENT
Certain fruits are ideal for this, and eating them helps you avoid some of the additives that are frequently found in juice drinks. On average, an apple is 84 percent water, whilst cantaloupes and peaches both contain 89 percent water. This does not apply to dried fruit.