Hydration is important at any time of the year but especially as the weather warms up. As we get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and start to sweat more, our need for fluid intake increases. Since our bodies are up to 70 percent water, it is no wonder all parts of our body functions more optimally when we are hydrated.

Feeling thirsty?
This means dehydration has already set in and we have lost at least ten percent of our body’s water content. Have a headache along with being thirsty? This is your body’s way of telling you to re-hydrate and now!

What’s the best way to consume water during the day?
Drink before you are thirsty. Don’t gulp water or drink large amounts at once. This overwhelms your system and most of the fluid will get eliminated. Drink slowly and steadily. Drinking small amounts of water on a continuous basis will help you rehydrate and stay hydrated.

Are all beverages hydrating?
If you are looking to hydrate, avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages. Beverages with added sugars are also ones to avoid as they will make you even more dehydrated. Find it hard to just drink water? Water with lemon is a great hydrating beverage.

Other hydrating options are: 

• Water with either lime, cucumber, or a bit of cranberry juice. (Your kidneys thrive on hydration as well as cranberries).
• Additional hydration can be achieved by eating vegetables like celery, cucumber or peppers as well as juicy fruits.
• Herbal teas are another great way to hydrate. Peppermint tea, nettle tea, rooibos teas, and fruit teas can be hydrating, especially when paired with lemon. These are great to drink as iced teas in the summer months as well.
• Coconut water is another great drink to hydrate with. Don’t like the taste? Add it into your iced tea beverage with some citrus or cranberry to give it a lovely taste.

Playing sports?
Do not rely on commercial electrolyte drinks that are packed with added sugar, colours and additives. Either make your own with coconut water or look for natural electrolyte mixes that will help restore the mineral balance that helps you maintain hydration.

Final Thoughts:

Not only does hydration help with energy levels and overall wellness, your body’s many systems depend on it. When you are constantly dehydrated, even minimally, strain is placed on all your organs, especially your kidneys. Dehydration can even play a role in blood pressure, gut health and liver detoxification. There are a lot of things we can do to make our body function efficiently and hydration is right at the top of the list. To learn more on how you can enhance your nutrition and self care, book a 15 minute free consultation with Tammy today.