Staying hydrated all summer will not only make your skin glow, but it will make you feel your best. Hydration is extremely important to your health all year, but it is crucial throughout the hot summer months. AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst wants you to be safe and healthy this summer. Learn more about our hydration tips, and visit us for any summer ailment or injury.
Recognize the Symptoms of Dehydration
Early signs of dehydration are more common than people think. A lot of the annoying occurrences that may happen to you every day may be avoided by simply drinking more water. Some of the common symptoms of early dehydration include:
- Dry, itchy, or irritated skin
- Headache
- Feeling tired or dizzy
Certain beverages may help hydrate you faster than water if they have added electrolytes. Drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade can help make these symptoms go away quicker. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and follow these tips throughout the summer to avoid dehydration.
Hydration Tips
Avoid alcohol & caffeine
Certain drinks can actually dehydrate you instead of hydrating you. Alcohol, soda, coffee, and sugary drinks like lemonade can remove water from your tissue and make you dehydrated. Avoid these types of drinks and replace them with water to help hydrate.
Replenish while sweating
As you sweat from a workout or hike, your body loses water, which can make you dehydrated. Sweating is more common throughout the summer due to the warm weather, but it’s important to drink while working out or doing another activity that may cause you to sweat. It’s essential to drink water before, during, and after the workout to keep your hydration levels up.
Take frequent breaks
Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion happen when the body’s temperature is too high. Heat safety also has to do with regulating your internal temperature and cooling down. While outside or doing high-energy activities, take frequent breaks either in the shade or inside where it is air-conditioned.
Eat foods with high water content
You don’t have to get your hydration just from water- it comes from foods too! Some foods have a higher concentration of water than others. If you want to increase your water intake through food, eat more watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes.
Check your urine
Urine can help you determine if you are hydrated enough by color. Clear and pale-yellow urine means you are hydrated, whereas darker-colored urine indicates you need more. Other medications, however, may impact the color, so it’s best to speak to a medical provider if you have any concerns.
