Drink More Water During Warm Weather

With the weather warming up, it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated. But often we don’t know the signs that our bodies need more water to deal with the heat. I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s Wellness Tip, I’ll line out the ways in which you can listen to your body to avoid serious heat-related illnesses.

Water is one of the basic needs for our bodies. About 70 percent of the human body is made up of water, and our vital organs can’t function without it. But most Americans fall far short of the recommended daily minimum intake, regardless of the season. A recent report shows that up to 75 percent of Americans fail to take in 10 cups of water per day, which means that most people in the U.S. are functioning in a chronic state of dehydration.

And with the warmer weather we’ve been having, it’s even more important to get your body enough of the element that keeps our brains functioning, detoxifies the liver and kidneys, and is a key to proper digestion.

When you spend time outside in hot weather, thirst is one of the first signs that your body needs more water to offset the heat. You’ve been sweating, so your body is using its stored water to cool you off.

But thirst is just one of the signs that you’re in need of replenishing your body’s resources. Your mouth may feel dry or sticky, and you could also become lethargic and experience brain fog. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good sign that you need to take a water break.

Over time, failure to drink enough water can contribute to joint pain, weight gain, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and kidney disease.

So to avoid these effects, it’s a good plan to get in the habit of keeping yourself hydrated. Schedule regular water breaks. If you’re not big on plain water, add some lemon juice or infuse your water with fruits or cucumbers. You can also help yourself to stay hydrated by eating foods that have a high water content like melons, berries and peaches.

But don’t think that by just taking in any liquid that we’re helping the situation. Caffeinated or sugary drinks may actually cause more harm than good. And be careful, drinking lots of plain water all at once can lead to water toxicity. So take frequent water breaks, but don’t push too many fluids.

Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I’m a certified holistic nutritionist, a mom, an entertainer and a radio personality – so finding balance is the key to my life. I love sharing tips and tricks to help you live your best life – so for more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com. See you again next time for Wellness with Wendy!