FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74 
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
5 Tips to Stay Hydrated This Summer
Paula Gallagher on
Water is a key player in our health. Water is also one of the most neglected and essential components of nutrition. The importance of water cannot be overlooked. This is especially important in the summer, when there are record breaking temperatures.
If you experience headaches, fatigue, muscle pains, constipation, heartburn, anxiety attacks, food intolerances, joint and muscle weakness, dry skin, chapped lips, water retention, digestive problems or bad breath, you may be suffering from dehydration. Many people are dehydrated and are not even aware of it. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, such as short-term memory, alertness and concentration. Being in a steady state of dehydration and fatigue interrupts the body’s energy activities, delays excretion of waste, slows recovery from exercise, and impedes weight loss.
Dehydration can result from simply not drinking enough water, or from drinking fluids such as soda, coffee or alcohol that rob your body of water. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, hot weather, exercising, and illnesses that involve a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, also increase your body’s need for water.
5 Ways to Prevent Dehydration
2. Eat foods that contain a high amount of water, such as fruits, vegetables, soups and smoothies.
3. Drink beverages such as milk, low-sugar juices and herbal teas.
4. Fill water bottles at the start of your day and make sure you drink them by the end of the day.
5. Drink room temperature and still water rather than sparkling or ice-cold water. The carbonation and cold temperature make it harder to drink a lot of water at one time.
Are You Drinking Enough?
Water is an essential substance that is required for nearly every body process including digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion. Water is the main carrier of nutrients throughout the body and is essential for carrying out waste products.
General guidelines for ensuring proper hydration include drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily. Keep in mind that specific water needs vary from person to person based on health and activity level. Also, drinking coffee, soda and alcohol increases your body’s water requirements.
If you are not sure if you are drinking enough water, tune in to your body. Start by paying attention to the color of your urine. Dark urine indicates that your body is conserving what little water it has and is in great need of more fluids. You want your urine to be colorless or slightly yellow. It is also important to drink water before you get thirsty. Thirst is a signal of dehydration. So, if you are thirsty, drink to quench your thirst.
Another important indicator of dehydration is bowel activity. If you are not drinking enough water, your colon will reabsorb more water from your waste material and result in hard stools (and a recirculation of toxins).
Water Quality Matters
The quality of your drinking water is also very important. Tap water can still contain impurities regardless of what is considered "safe" exposure. Filtering tap water can significantly improve the water’s taste and safety and is strongly recommended. There are many different types of filters available that vary in cost and effectiveness. Reverse osmosis seems to be one of the best filtering methods. It is also best to avoid drinking water out of plastic containers. However, if you do, avoid the softer, cloudy plastic containers because they seem to leech the most chemicals into your water. Glass bottles are ideal.
So, enjoy the warm weather – but make sure you are staying hydrated!
Categories
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more..
SEE ALL OF OUR BLOGGERS
Invalid password
Enter
Learning Resources
Consultations
Green Initiatives
Pharmacy/Compounding
Humanized Health
Village Green Blog
Stay Connected
Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159
The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
© 2023 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved.