Staying Hydrated in the Summer Heat

If the sweat pouring off you or the clingy feeling of your clothes sticking to you didn’t already give it away, you may have noticed it’s a little on the warm side out there. And since there’s a good chance you’re going to be out of the house enjoying the great outdoors, here are a few ways to stay hydrated:

Be careful with alcohol. Yeah, sometimes nothing really satisfies like an ice cold beer, but alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning that it actually makes you more dehydrated rather than less. It can also interfere with your body's ability to regulate its own temperature.

Keep your electrolytes up. Along with all that sweat, your body is also leaking out electrolytes like potassium, sodium and calcium. You can replace fluid and sodium losses with watery foods that contain salt and potassium like soup and vegetable juices. Many sports drinks will also help you maintain your electrolyte balance, but beware of those that contain significant amounts of sugar or caffeine.

Check your urine. It might not be the most exciting thing to do when you’re out having a great time, but, like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, it can be an important indicator that something is wrong. If your urine is dark or cloudy, it’s often a sign you’re dehydrated. Also watch for other signs of dehydration such as dizziness, headache, nausea and cramps.

The best way to prevent dehydration is before it starts. If you know you’re going to be out in the heat, plan ahead by making sure you’re well hydrated and that you have plenty of fluids on hand to get you through the day.

Have a great and well-hydrated summer!