How to stay hydrated throughout the summer

Not drinking adequate amounts of water leads to dehydration. When the temperatures rise, it is easy to get dehydrated, but sometimes drinking water just doesn’t hit the spot. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, extreme thirst, and confusion. Even mild dehydration can make you feel rundown and tired. More severe dehydration can be life-threatening and lead to heatstroke, urinary and kidney problems, or seizures.

Instead of turning to sodas or other sugary beverages to get liquids, try some of these tips to up your water intake!

If you can’t drink glass after glass of plain water all day, try infusing your water with some citrusy flavor. Just slice up some lemon, lime, orange, or all three! Then add to a pitcher or bottle and let it infuse your water with a fruity flavor. Keeping a pitcher of this in your fridge always will double your water intake in no time. Strawberries, mango, cucumbers, and mint are also great infusers.

Toting around a refillable water bottle is a surefire way to increase your water intake. Prefer to drink out of a straw? Look for bottles with built-in straws. Like the fruit-infusion idea in tip number 1? There are reusable water bottles with a special section for fruit slices. Pick up a cute one at the grocery store or mall, and wash it often.

Here is another tip: Did you know it is extremely common to mistake thirst for hunger? The next time you feel hungry, try drinking some water before reaching for food to see if that is what your body is genuinely craving.

A tip for the braver sort: Try seasoning your food with a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce. A little heat at mealtime is guaranteed to send you straight for some refreshing water to cool down your mouth. There are some fantastic spicy salt-free seasoning mixes out there too. Bonus? Guzzling water in between bites will help you feel full faster, making you less likely to overdo it on portions.

By using some of these tips, it is easy to keep yourself hydrated and keep yourself healthy!

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