We're in the middle of summer, which for most of us means we're in the thick of heat, be it dry or humid. I wast just in CT and NY and felt that old familiar humidity there, only to fly back to AZ and be hit with 112 degree temps in Phoenix (dry heat aside, that is HOT) - so it's an opportune time to remember how important it is to stay hydrated.Water keeps all of our organs - including our brain - functioning properly. Dehydration can do a number on your body, including increasing cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and moodiness, and negatively impacting most body organs and systems. It can also make you feel sluggish, tired and/or light-headed. Not good! If you've experienced the difference between being dehydrated vs. hydrated, chances are you can recognize on a more conscious level too that it feels different in a bad way when your body is water-deprived.We've heard it all before, but it's too important to not reiterate. Here are five key tips to keep in mind:
- Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. At that point, you are already dehydrated! And know your personal needs, which can vary based on your particular health, activity level, local climate, age, etc.
- Water in, water out! I give my husband credit for that saying, which he repeats to students at all of his classes. If you're drinking enough, you should be filling - and emptying - your bladder with regularity, and your urine should appear more dilute.
- Keep a reusable water bottle with you. I'm partial to HydroFlask - it keeps cold liquid cold and hot liquid hot for hours and hours, and comes in several sizes with different lid options. I rarely leave the house without one, and find I drink more water when I have a bottle within arm's reach - especially a bigger one. It's great when traveling on airplanes - simply send it through security unfilled, and then fill up at a water fountain or one of the new water bottle filling stations in airports (and it saves money). In a similar vein, if you're an outdoor walker, runner or hiker - invest in a backpack or lumbar pack Camelbak. The convenience of having such an easily accessible larger quantity of water is priceless!
- Invest in a water filter. Be it one on your freezer door, a pitcher you keep filled in your fridge or something affixed to your faucet - make sure you're drinking the good, clean stuff! Some areas are fortunate enough to have great tap water, but be aware either way.
- Do whatever it takes to learn to love it. Well, almost. While I can't get behind products that add artificial dyes and flavors to water, I've heard enough people say something along the lines of "but I just don't like the taste of water" as a reason for not drinking enough that I can see the value in adding certain things to make it more palatable. My recommendation to that end starts and finishes with fruit and/or herbs. A few squeezes or dropped in slices of citrus, strawberries (sliced or muddled), cucumber slices, melon or fresh herbs like mint or basil can infuse your water with a refreshing delicate flavor. Get really creative with it, add some sparkling water and you have yourself a beautiful and healthy "mocktail"!
I try and limit my occasional bottled water purchases to two main types: carbonated or specialty - though in a pinch, I'll grab just about anything if I'm otherwise without. I particularly love Pellegrino, Perrier and Trader Joes' fizzy water. And I was recently introduced to Balance water, a company founded in Australia that infuses different flower essences into their various waters, elevating plain bottled water to produce a functional wellness beverage that is non-flavored. I love the idea that this water is infused with natural, health-supportive extracts (but tastes like plain water) and feel great drinking it as part of my overall water intake. It's actually the first still bottled water other than simple spring water that I've really enjoyed, so I do recommend checking them out!What it comes down to is doing whatever works for you to make sure you're staying appropriately hydrated. Let the good in - with water!