Don’t Dehydrate This Summer

The weather is starting to turn, slowly but surely and even this early in the year we’ve experienced some pretty sporadic heatwaves. By all indications, this summer is going to continue the trend of getting hotter and hotter like the last few years. But with that heat comes a real risk: dehydration. A lot of people experience cramps, headaches, light-headedness, and even fainting due to dehydration, so it’s crucial to protect yourself as best as possible.

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Drink more water
It might seem like an obvious tip (because it is,) but it’s always worth repeating. The vast majority of us do not drink as much water as we need to throughout the day. However, if you start using water as a replacement for other beverages, you will start to see how quickly it can take its place in your life. Cut the soda, turn the faucets, and drink the water that you need.

Hydrating in other ways
Drinking water isn’t the only way to make sure that your body stays hydrated. Look for moisturizing skincare products that you can add to your daily routine to absorb water throughout the day through your skin. You can also look at foods and snacks that are high in water content like cucumber and watermelon that can help you stay cool and hydrated while also helping you find some healthy replacements for other snacks you might currently be trying to put down.

Stay cool
Keeping hydrated is about making sure that you’re not losing water as well as making sure that you’re getting enough. To that end, if your home is feeling overly hot, add some shade to the windows to keep the sun out and check your air conditioner. If it’s not working, get some emergency AC repair services to help you cool down. It will help you sweat less, which will help you retain more of that essential water.

Protect yourself from the sun
If you’re heading out into the sun, then do be aware of just how drying its rays can be. The sun’s rays directly dehydrate your skin when you’re not protected, and the body redirects hydration to the skin to try to replenish it, which can lead to dehydration. Use a combination of moisturizer and sunscreen to make sure you’re protecting your skin while also continuing to ensure it has the hydration levels that it needs.

Know the signs of dehydration
If you catch any of the symptoms of dehydration, it should be a sign that you should start taking it easy, get into a cooler environment, and drink and eat more water as soon as you can. Don’t chug pint after pint immediately, but do it gradually, increasing your moisture levels safely. Some of the symptoms to bear in mind are dark-colored urine, headaches, fatigue, and a flushed complexion. A lot of people think that the summer heat alone is what gives them headaches, but it could be that you’re prone to dehydration instead.

To avoid dehydration, you do need to drink water more regularly, that much is true. However, you also want to make sure you’re not losing water too quickly. The tips above can help with both.