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Health 52
Info Tip:
Hydration in Summer
Landscapers, construction workers, kids at camp or vacationers at the beach.
If you’re outside in the summer heat, make sure you stay hydrated. In other
words, drink water.
The human body is 75% water so even a slight shortage can make a big
difference in the way you feel. Aside from fatigue and confusion,
dehydration can lead to constipation, ulcers and stress.
General guidelines call for eight glasses of water each day, and you can get
this from juice and other beverages. But keep in mind that caffeine and
alcohol are diuretics, which make you lose fluids rather than retain them.
Energy drinks are usually loaded with caffeine, while sport drinks, such as
Gatorade replenish electrolytes, potassium and other nutrients that get lost
through perspiration. More than anything, you body just needs water.
Assuming your weight is relatively stable, stepping on a scale in the summer
is one way to tell if you’re dehydrated. If you lose more than 1% of your
body weight in a day, chances are you’re losing water. Also, check your
urine. If it’s darker than usual, you’re probably dehydrated.
If you have a choice, exercise early or late in the day to stay our of the
sun and heat. And if you’re spending a day in the sun, remember to drink up
for optimal health.
Sources: CRN file material, WebMD.com, USA Today
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