Summer is here, and so is the season of sweat, heat, and dehydration. But fret not; there are ample options available to keep you calm, and cool, and beat the extreme heat. One such instance is ensuring enough fluid intake. Experts across the globe suggest including water, coolers, and seasonal foods in our daily diet to retain water balance in the body and stay hydrated. But did you know that there are certain factors one must consider before planning the hydration regime? You heard that right. While we are all aware of the importance of hydration, what we often ignore is the right way to balance fluid in the body. In this article, we have highlighted five important hydration factors that one must always remember, especially during the summer season. Read on.
Also Read: Hydration Simplified: How Much Water To Drink and When For A Healthier You
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Here Are 6 Dos And Don'ts To Stay Well Hydrated:
1. Understand your needs:
You may have heard people recommending drinking at least six to eight glasses of water per day. While the advice is quite reasonable, it doesn't cater to individual needs. According to an article on the official website of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the amount of water you need depends on your gender, health, activity level, environment, and various other factors. So, experts suggest understanding what your body needs and being mindful of your fluid intake.
2. Do not overhydrate:
Believe it or not, drinking excess water or adding an extra amount of fluid to your diet can be harmful. Parmeet Kaur, a senior dietician at Narayana Hospital in Gurugram, states, "Drinking excess water than normal tends to increase your total blood volume and also pressures your kidneys into working overtime to filter excess water out of your circulatory system." So, avoid forcing yourself to drink water.
3. Do not wait until you are thirsty:
When thirsty, we tend to drink a lot of water in one go, which often leads to bloating, headaches, and dizziness at times. Hence, according to the Cleveland Clinic, the best way to beat dehydration is to drink before you get thirsty.
4. Drink more when you are out:
Stepping out of your homes in summer means excess sweat and fluid loss. This inevitably increases the risk of dehydration. Hence, a report by the John Hopkins Medical School recommends rehydration to restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance. In such cases, you can resort to coconut water, nimbu paani, and other such electrolyte-enriched drinks, besides water, to keep yourself well hydrated.
Also Read: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Water For Your Skin And Hair
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5. Drink the right types of fluids:
When it comes to drinks, there's no dearth of options. From a humble glass of water to the fanciest of mocktails and cocktails, you will be spoilt for choice. But you need to make these choices wisely. For instance, colas, sodas, iced teas, cold coffees, or a bottle of chilled beer can provide instant relief, but they have negative effects in the long run. According to the Cleveland Clinic, caffeine, sweetened beverages, and alcohol are diuretics, and consuming them in excess increases the risk of dehydration and related health hazards.
6. Sit and drink water:
According to health and lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho, chugging water quickly or drinking water while standing can lead to water dilution in your blood. It can also cause water from the blood to move to the cells, leading to unnecessary inflammation. So, it is always suggested to sit and sip water slowly for your body to utilize it efficiently.
Have a healthy and happy summer season, everyone!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.