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Seven Tips to Stay Hydrated

Oklahoma summers bring extreme heat. It is important to stay hydrated to avoid heat related illnesses. Below is a list of seven tips to ensure that you are staying well hydrated.

1. Avoid sugary beverages. Juice and soda have a high sugar content, which can keep the body form absorbing water. Because juice and soda have a high the high sugar content, they are also high in carbohydrates, which could potentially upset the stomach which can exacerbation dehydration symptoms.

2. Drink water before you are thirsty. Chances are if you feel thirsty, you might already be dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water with you and drink throughout the day. The key is to be consistent so that way you don’t reach the feeling of being thirsty. If you like flavored beverages, try adding cut up fruit and vegetables to add a little flavor to your water.

3. Limit caffeinated beverages. Coffee and tea act as a diuretic causing your body to lose more fluids. It’s best to drink moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 4. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol can cause the body to lose more fluid than normal due to increased urination. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause vomiting which can further deplete your body’s fluid, thus causing dehydration. Try drinking a glass of water before consuming alcohol as well as alternating between water and alcohol to help prevent dehydration.

5. Consider a drink with electrolytes. If you work out or working outside, consider drinking a low calorie sports drink. When you sweat you lost important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Sports drinks help to replenish them.

6. Monitor your urine. If you notice that your urine is light yellow you are likely hydrated. However if you notice that you urine is dark yellow or maybe even orange tinted, then you are probably not drinking enough water.

7. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables such as melons, grapes, berries, broccoli, cucumbers, and celery that have a high content. Because these food have a higher water content, they can help you stay hydrated.

Drinking plenty was water is key. Hopefully these tips will help you beat the summer heat and stay hydrated.