Increased water intake can save you from many health issues during this summer.
The human body consists of more than 60% of water. Water is very important as it regulates life. It is essential to stay hydrated this summer, if you are hydrated well, it may reduce the chances of you getting affected by the new flu H3N2.
Table of Content:
- Why does our body require water during the summer?
- Role of Water in normalizing our body’s function.
- Impact of dehydration.
- Alarming Signs.
- Quick tips to stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated helps to keep the mucus membranes of your nasal passages moist which enables them to trap viral invaders before they enter the body. Drinking water and other fluids allow increased oxygen circulation, which ensures that all your systems have enough oxygen to remove toxins efficiently.
Consuming more water and fluid becomes necessary during summer due to increased heat and perspiration. We lose water constantly through our skin, urine, waste, and sweat – even when we breathe. Water intake has many benefits, including:
- Regulating body temperature.
- Lubricating our joints.
- Metabolizing food and regulating hunger.
- Flushing wastes from the body.
- Producing adequate saliva.
- Aiding the digestive process.
If you do not drink sufficient water, you can become dehydrated, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, impaired kidney function, unbalanced electrolytes, and other complications, it may even increase chances of contracting virus. In such cases you should visit doctor for timely advice.
During summers, it is crucial to keep yourself and your little ones hydrated. There are some signs that you should be aware of as symptoms of dehydration.
In infants and young children dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, no wet diapers for three hours, sunken eyes and cheeks or irritability can be signs of dehydration.
However, in adults symptoms of being hydrated are feeling extremely thirsty, reduced frequency in urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, or increased discomfort.
Tips for staying hydrated.
- Start your day by drinking a glass of water. This gets your metabolism running and gives you an energy boost. Avoid drinking water right before bed if you struggle with nocturnal urination or heartburn.
- Invest in a fancy water bottle to keep you motivated. A good water bottle can serve as a visual reminder to drink more water throughout the day. Certain bottles have marked measurements for tracking intake or have words of encouragement printed on the side as water levels go down.
- Use reminders or alarms to your advantage. Set alarms or notifications on your smart devices as reminders throughout the day. For a mental boost, set your Google device to remind you along with verbal, positive encouragements.
- Be focused on your body’s signal. Be mindful of whether your body is thirsty or hungry. Sometimes we overeat because we mistake thirst for hunger.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal. It will help you stay hydrated, help your body digest food better, and help you feel full faster. And avoid drinking water during or immediately after a meal.
- Try natural flavors like fruit or vegetable infusions in your water to make it more appealing. Prepare a jug in the refrigerator to infuse overnight to make filling your water bottle in the morning easier. Pick up a water bottle that has a built-in infusion basket for flavor on the go.
- Keep a check on the color of your urine. Some people check the color of their urine throughout the day to ensure it is clear or light-colored. Dark yellow urine may be a sign of dehydration for some.
- Replace high-sugar drinks with sparkling water or seltzer. Not only will you cut back on unnecessary sugar, but you’ll be adding to your water intake.
- A daily goal can help you stay motivated and work towards maintaining a healthy habit.
- Get your friends in it too. Ask your friends to join you in a healthy competition to see who meets their daily goals regularly. This will keep you motivated to consume more water throughout the day.
Have a Happy Summer by drinking loads of water!
