Water is rightfully called, the stuff of life. Our body’s 75% composition is water. The importance of staying hydrated actually comes from the understanding, how our body actually contains water and how it uses it.
Water is present in our skin, our muscles, our brain and internal organs are pretty much made up of water and they constantly need to replenish this composition and more so in the hotter seasons. Our body’s dependence on this transparent fluid can be understood from the fact, that a healthy human being can go up to 3 weeks without food. But that’s not the case about water. Water is our first priority in nutritional supplication and powers up pretty much entire systems of the human body. With that being said, let’s note a few ways to stay properly hydrated (especially during the hot season).
1. Cut Down on Salt
Having too much salt in our diet makes us feel bloated. As a result, we drink less water and our body is forced to process it again and again because we are not ready to drink more. One more thing that is easily overlooked is, that the high amount of sugar also causes water retention. So, basically you have to balance between the foods that are high in sodium and sugar. By doing so, your body will start processing water that you drink and it won’t hold it in the cells and you will be frequently discharging water in the form of urine which is a sign of a healthy body (unless your pee is anything other than transparent or slight pale shade).
2. Say NO to Carbonated Drinks
This just cannot be stressed enough. The worst thing you can do to yourself is, consume high amount fizzy beverages. These drinks are the most toxic stuff you can actually consume. They have been found to dissolve our bones and decreasing their strength. Most people consume them to get the kick they need, for workouts or post-workouts, to beat the exhausted feeling, but the “energy” drinks actually squeeze most liquids out of the body. They are dehydrating you instead of giving you any energy or even replenishing any body fluids. Do yourself a favor and avoid any and all of the sodas.
3. Drink Mineral Water
The kind of results you expect from the sports drinks, can actually come from a regular sized bottle of mineral water. It contains all the essential minerals and electrolytes your body needs and is probably the best thing to drink during or after a workout. Even if you don’t workout, drinking three to four glasses of mineral water is essential to replenish the compounds that our body extracts from water.
4. Fruit Frenzy
Mangoes, watermelons, strawberries and other fruits are a treat. Don’t miss out on them. These fruits contain bulk of water and can actually help you stay hydrated unlike the falsely advertised sports drinks. If you want to keep a power packed drink with yourself while working out, then a smoothie made with these fruits is probably the best choice. Not only will they re-hydrate you after your workouts, but they will also replenish the salts and sugar that are burnt up during the training session.
5. Keep Your Personal Water Supply
Always keep a bottle of water to yourself. It seems like a hassle at the start, but once you make it a habit, you can benefit from it in the long run. If you are ever heading out, make sure to carry your water bottle with you and drink after regular intervals. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to drink water.
By the time our throat gets dry, our body has already gone through tremendous scarcity of water. It is essential that you find a cool place and while relaxing there for a while, drink plenty of water so that your body doesn’t run out of its fuel.
Since it’s going to be summer soon and the weather pattern is predicting one of the hottest summer since very long, we must think beyond ourselves. There are so many people who are homeless and our country is facing this problem severely. It’s a heart wrenching fact, that majority of people who die of heat strokes and thirst, are the homeless population. Do as much as you can for them and also keep water in pots for birds to drink. Make sure to change it every day. You wouldn’t drink stale water so why force the birds to drink it.