Stay Hydrated This Summer!

This summer I have been volunteering with the American Heart Association as the communications intern. Throughout the first two weeks of my internship I have learned a lot about how to stay healthy and keep my heart happy. This week we have been focusing on how to stay safe and healthy during the summer. The key is that we should not overthink it. One of the most important parts of staying healthy in the summer heat is making sure you are hydrated. Drinking water is super important to making it through the summer. Whether your exercising or laying out in the sun it is extremely important.

Dehydration can cause issues as small as headaches to as serious as heat strokes. You should not base your dehydration on if you feel thirsty because, if you are feeling thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated. Therefore, it is so important to consistently drink water throughout the day.

Water is crucial to keeping your heart happy. Drinking water and keeping your body hydrated helps blood more easily pump through your body, helps muscles work more efficiently, and curbs your desire for late night snacks.

Another source of hydration are foods like fruits and vegetables. Fruits like oranges and bananas are good snacks to eat after a workout or after a day in the sun. These foods, however, should only be used as a supplement to water, not a replacement. Drinks with electrolytes are good if you are doing an intense workout, otherwise they are not always the best option because these drinks usually contain a lot of sugars and calories.

A couple of ways to know if you are dehydrated are, if you did not sweat throughout a vigorous workout and if you are experiencing dizziness, headaches or feelings of fatigue.

I always carry around a large reusable water bottle with me to make sure that I don’t forget to drink enough water. Make the most of your summer by staying hydrated!