The Better Summer Hydration Methods

Written by Katie Green

We’re all familiar with the idea that staying extra hydrated during the summer months is likely conducive to health, and often times, lifesaving, considering the smoldering Louisiana heat. Although, many methods of hydration only tout the use of water. While water consumption is proven to hydrate the system, too much water use can produce harmful effects, just as too little can. Fortunately, additional, and often times more effective, nutritional options for selfhydrating exist.

According to Ray Peat, PhD in human physiology, the amount of water a person needs is extremely variable, depending on things such as metabolic rate, activity, and the temperature and humidity of the air. The cells in the body control hydration by the process that controls the cellular structure, metabolism, and movements. In other words, everybody is different, as is his or her water requirement. Claiming that 8 glasses of water a day, or any other arbitrary number, is the golden rule to optimal hydration, batters against physiological precedents. In fact, drinking this much water/day, every day, can deplete electrolytes, which, in turn, can lead to dehydration. Counterproductive, right?

So, what is more effective than drowning our insides with plain water?

Eating foods high in water content. Most foods contain a considerable amount of water; like fruit, for example, usually more than 70% of their weight is water. Tropical fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, and peaches, all contain considerably high water content that the body will recognize and use accordingly.

Adding electrolytes to your drinking water, by mixing a pinch (or 2) of unrefined salt to each glass you drink, can enhance the trace mineral content of the water and hydrate the system more efficiently by supporting the highly-conductive extracellular fluid. A healthy, functioning body requires a high level of daily mineral intake to remain healthy, especially during the summer, when we release minerals through sweat.

Drinking nutrient-dense, metabolic- friendly liquids, other than water, like coconut water, organic OJ, and/or bone broth, for example, can fuel the system by recruiting ATP, or rather, enhancing energy levels. When the body has enough fuel reserves, it is less likely to compensate in the form of dehydration.

Eating well-balanced meals that consist of a protein, carb (particularly fruit), and healthy fat, i.e., butter or coconut oil, and remaining consistent about it, is a wonderful way to keep nutrient and mineral consumption high, which will also negate the compensative state of dehydration.

At the end of the day, thirst is the best guide to the amount of fluid needed. As I always like to say—keep it simple. Afterall, too much of anything is never good, right?