As we look forward to beautiful weather and fun in the sun, the weather may feel great, but can have some very drying effects on our bodies. Staying hydrated is very important. Whether you are drinking water, juice, or eating soup, try to incorporate some form of liquid into your daily intake.
We lose water routinely when we breathe. Humidified air leaves our bodies (think about how on a cold day you can see your breath- that is water that has been exhaled). In addition, we sweat to cool our bodies down; and then also through eliminating waste by going to the bathroom, we lose more water in our bodies. Dehydration due to weather is able to be easily prevented through drinking fluids and being mindful of any early signs that show up.
Early signs of dehydration include: dry lips, tongue, and mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, increased breathing rate, eyes stop making tears, sweating may stop, lightheadedness, weakness, and decreased urine output.
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If your urine is clear or slightly yellow, it is usually a good indication that you are well hydrated. Try to avoid drinking all your water in one sitting. Divide the amount you need and drink several glasses of water throughout the day. This is especially important if you engage in lots of heavy exercise. Every individual has different water requirements and consumption and it is difficult to apply a general rule. There are resources for you to calculate how much hydration is enough to maintain life. However, the best tool is to use common sense and stay healthy. Listen to and look at your body for clues.
