How to Avoid Dehydration This Summer
Summer is the ideal time of the year for outdoor activities, fun in the sun and relaxing in a comfy chair. While the good weather can put you in the mood to golf, picnic or spend countless hours at the pool, the excessive temperatures and sun can take a toll on your body. The following tips will help you stay healthy and avoid dehydration.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Whether you are planning an outdoor excursion or your tasks take you indoors, you want to wear loose clothing. Comfortable choices such as linens in light colors are fashionable and cool on a warm, summer day. Dark colors can absorb heat quickly and may make you more prone to dehydration and heat stroke.
- Stay hydrated: Signs of dehydration can include fatigue, flushed skin, light headedness, and the loss of appetite. In order to avoid becoming sick, you want to stay properly hydrated. This means limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine and replacing it with cool glasses of water. Since the heat and sun can make you thirsty, don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. You should replenish fluids lost through sweating all day.
- Remember to eat: Nourishment is just as important in preventing dehydration. While you may be more prone to snacking on unhealthy foods to satisfy your cravings, fruits and veggies are higher in water content. If you plan on working out, hiking, biking or playing tennis, foods such as watermelon, apples, celery, carrots, salads and leafy greens can keep you hydrated. The lighter meals can also sit better on your stomach instead of a heavier foods such as burgers and fries.
- Ditch the sun: The sun is at its peak from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’ve had enough of this shiny orb, you can escape to the shade. You can also go inside and ditch the heat for a cooler place indoors. Relaxing by taking a nap, reading a book or watching a movie in a cool environment can allow you time to recharge your batteries.
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