It’s a well-known fact that the human body is about 60% water, yet many of us don’t make the effort to replenish that water, resulting in dehydration. Living in Prescott, Arizona, we’re used to the heat, but that also means we can forget to drink enough throughout the day. Read on to learn why staying hydrated is so important, plus how to stay hydrated this summer.
Why is it so important to drink water and stay hydrated?
Here are some reasons why you should stay hydrated:
- Hydration levels have a significant effect on your energy levels and brain function. Even mild dehydration can result in the loss of 1–3% of body weight and hinder many elements of your brain’s ability to function. This level of dehydration can easily occur on a regular day if you don’t continue to rehydrate, so if you’re out in the sun you need to be even more vigilant about drinking enough.
- By the time you have a headache, you’re already dehydrated. One 2018 study found that almost 41% of participants identified headaches as a common symptom of dehydration.
- It may help you work harder when you’re exercising. It’s important to stay hydrated during and after your workout, but if you’re not sufficiently hydrated before you work out, you may experience that your body temperature control and energy levels weaken. It also plays a psychological role in how exercise feels, making your brain perceive tasks as much more difficult than if you’d been hydrated.
- Your monthly massage encourages your body to pump fluid out of your soft tissue, into your circulatory system, and straight through to your kidneys. Given that a massage helps with this release, it makes sense that you would need to replenish your fluids after your massage.
How can I stay hydrated during the summer?
Summertime is one of the most important times to stay hydrated, especially if you live in a warm area of the country.
- Carry a water bottle with you at all times, and if you like your water cold, make that a thermal bottle. Some people like to use a water bottle with timestamps printed on the outside so they can keep on top of their water intake. There are even smart bottles on the market that link with an app on your phone to tell you if you have had enough water to drink yet or not.
- If you’re not a fan of plain water, sparkling water is just as hydrating and counts towards your daily water intake. Or, if you prefer something flavored, add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange to your water. There are plenty of flavored waters on the market today, but make sure you opt for diet versions and those that aren’t loaded with sugar.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as they’ll help you increase your water intake. Here are some fruits and vegetables with the highest water content:
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Grapes
- Lettuce (butterhead, iceberg, little gem)
- Melon and watermelon
- Orange and all its cousins like clementines, blood oranges, satsumas, and tangerines
- Spinach
- Drink some herbal tea or just regular tea. Coffee and breakfast tea contain caffeine which acts as a diuretic, but you’d have to drink about three 8-ounce cups of coffee or six 9-ounce cups of tea for it to have a dehydrating effect on you. So, if you usually only have one or two cups of tea or coffee a day, this will count towards your water intake for the day.
How much water should I drink each day?
Most healthcare providers advise following the 8×8 rule. In other words, the ideal amount of water is eight 8-ounce glasses every day (the 8×8 rule). There’s not a huge amount of research to suggest that this specific amount is optimum for health, but it’s a good general yardstick.
Looking for more ways you can better look after yourself? Massage isn’t just a luxury – it can help you live a happier, healthier life. Visit our website to learn more about our award-winning massage services in Prescott, Arizona.
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