How to stay hydrated when it’s so darn hot!

Around Auburn it definitely went from winter to summer. I feel like it was 60 degrees yesterday and today it’s 98. Keeping hydrated all year round is extremely important, but even more so now that it’s hit and we’re spending our time out in this wonderful heat.

The problem with dehydration is that by the time you are thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Metabolic changes that you won’t notice have already occurred in your body’s effort to compensate. The key is to drink enough so that you never get thirsty.

Water is, of course, your first line of defense. That said, it isn’t always enough. As you sweat, you are losing not just water, but salt, or electrolytes. Just drinking water can actually upset your electrolyte balance and make you feel even more dehydrated. So here are a few suggestions.

Drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. (For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink 50 ounces a day). Plus, you need an extra glass for every “vice” or bit of exercise. Vices can be things like a glass of wine or eating dessert.
Add a high-quality electrolyte powder to one of your glasses of water. Look for one that doesn’t have added sugar, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.
Eat your vegetables and fruits. Things like kale, collard greens, melons, prunes, figs, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes are full of all of your electrolytes,
Try drinking fruit water. Take a big water jug and soak things like watermelon, limes and cucumbers in it, then drink the water! Yum!
Use a high quality Himalayan salt on your food, or even put just a touch in your water bottle.

So get out there! Enjoy your summer! Enjoy the heat! And stay hydrated!