Staying Hydrated in the Summer Sun
Staying hydratedcan hardly be overestimated, especially in the heat of the summer months. The advice for avoiding
dehydration seems straightforward: drink a lot of water, stay out of direct sunlight if possible, and save strenuous activities for the coolness of the morning or evening. Yet, millions of people around the world suffer from dehydration and some cases can be fatal. Heatstroke is caused when the body’s internal temperature rises to extreme temperatures, and can cause fainting, hallucinations, or seizures.
Though these consequences of poor hydration are severe, dehydration can be easily prevented. As long as you take the proper precautions, your fitness routine will not have to change as the weather warms so here are some tips to keep you hydrated this summer:
Keep water with you at all times and drink more than you think you need. Experts suggest you drink at least 6-12 oz. of water for every 10-15 minutes you are exercising outdoors. To replace the water you’ve lost as sweat, drink 2-3 cups of water when you return indoors. Avoid alcohol or drinks with high caffeine levels. Fruit juices and flavored drinks can also hinder your body’s water levels.
The best hydration treatment is prevention, and since drinking water helps all of your body’s operations run more smoothly, you’ll feel better by ditching the sodas and energy drinks.
So whether you’re training for a marathon or mowing the lawn, grab a water bottle and sip on it throughout the day. Staying hydrated allows you to stay outdoors and enjoy the warmth of summertime safely.