2 minute read
Fitness with Jesse James Fit
Are You Staying HYDRATED? IT’S SO IMPORTANT
by Jesse J. Leyva, Owner of Jesse James Fit & Outlaw Fitcamp
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Your lawn isn’t the only thing needing more water in the hot summer months. Staying hydrated is crucial to your well-being year-round, but it can be even more of a challenge in the summer.
Why it’s so important to stay hydrated
Water is used by every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. It maintains your body’s temperature, removes waste, lubricates your joints, carries nutrients to your cells, flushes bacteria from your bladder, helps your heart pump blood, helps muscles work efficiently, maintains your heart rate and blood pressure, and maintains a healthy metabolism. Kind of important, right?!
Staying hydrated is necessary—not just for survival—but for good health.
A hydrated body
Giving your body plenty of fluids has the following benefits:
Better energy levels and brain function Prevent and treat headaches Skin stays healthier Prevent constipation Encourages weight loss Boosts your metabolic rate
A dehydrated body
On the other hand, dehydration can cause serious health problems ranging from swollen feet and headaches to lifethreatening illnesses such as heat stroke. It’s very important to be aware of the warning signs.
The difficulty with dehydration though, is that your body hides the beginning of dehydration very well. It can be hours before you start to actually have symptoms. By the time you’re feeling thirsty or experiencing other warning signs, you’re already dehydrated!
One of the best ways to recognize that your body is dehydrated is to pay attention to the color of your urine. Pale urine means you’re well-hydrated. Dark urine shows that you’re not taking in enough fluids. Watch out for these other common dehydration symptoms:
Thirst Headache Fatigue Weakness Dizziness Confusion
Take in plenty of fluids before you start experiencing the symptoms of dehydration.
How to stay hydrated
The best way to stay hydrated is to…you already know it…drink water. There are other healthy ways to stay hydrated, but it’s pretty hard to get the fluids you need without drinking water every day.
Keep a reusable water bottle next to you and keep it full!
If you have trouble drinking plain water, try adding some fruit slices to it or choose carbonated waters.
Get in the habit of drinking water with your meals instead of other drinks.
Besides water, other drinks and foods can also help you stay hydrated. Just make sure you’re not choosing drinks that add unnecessary sugar and extra calories to your diet.
Water, water, water!
When we get into these really hot days ahead of us, it’s more important than ever to remember to stay hydrated. But whether you’re inside or outdoors, exercising or relaxing, in summer or winter—you always need to pay attention to staying hydrated.
Now drink up!
