In the hot and often taxing months of summer, hydration tips from Herbalife Nutrition can enhance your life quality, boost your energy, improve your metabolism, and make it easier for your body to cool itself. If you haven’t been feeling top-notch in the warmer weather, you may be failing to give your body what it needs. Read on to find out how much water you should be drinking, and how much better you’ll feel as your hydration level improves.
- Determine How Much Water You Should Be Drinking
As a general rule, the average person should consume approximately eight eight-ounce glasses of fluid each day. Half of this fluid should come directly from pure water, while the other half can come from natural, water-dense foods and other hydrating beverages. If you eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, you may already be filling a large portion of your daily water requirements. Keep in mind, however, that certain beverages dehydrate the body, rather than hydrate it. These include coffee, tea, and caffeine-containing energy drinks.
If you lead an incredibly active lifestyle, you’ll need to consume additional fluids to account for water loss as the result of sweating and increased respiration. If you tend to sweat excessively, it may even be best to consume a moderate amount of sports drinks in addition to your daily water. Beyond replacing lost water, many of these products also deliver a balanced blend of electrolytes. As such, sports drinks are among the most effective beverages for restoring essential nutrients and rehydrating post-workout.
- Learn How to Recognize When You’re Dehydrated
You might be surprised to learn some of the early signs of dehydration. For instance, mere thirst is a sign that your body isn’t getting enough fluid. Dry lips, headaches, foul breath, and muscle fatigue are also symptoms. If you don’t identify and address dehydration for several days, you can also suffer an uncomfortable bout of constipation. With harder, impacted stools, simply going to the bathroom can become a laborious and dreaded task.
One of the easiest ways to check your hydration levels is by inspecting your urine. Dark-colored and strong-smelling urine often means that the body is running on less water than it needs. Drinking more water and eating more fresh produce is a natural and easy way to soften and plump your lips, alleviate mild headaches, wake up a sluggish digestive system, and improve muscle endurance. In fact, good hydration can improve nearly all aspects of your physical performance.
- Dress for the Warmer Weather
While exercise often leads to copious amounts of sweat, in certain areas, people can constantly sweat during the summer, and without physically exerting themselves. During the hottest days of the year, it’s critically important to dress for the season. This is especially true for small children, given that their smaller size makes them prone to rapid overheating. Choose summer clothing that has natural wicking properties and offers good airflow. The right clothing can limit water loss and prevent problems like extreme dehydration and heat exhaustion.
- Carry a Water Bottle and Sip It Throughout the Day
Don’t try to gulp your daily water intake down in a short period. Drinking adequate amounts of water is easiest when you make it an all-day affair. Carry a large water bottle with you and sip from it throughout the day. Your sips will definitely add up over time, and you’ll be far less likely to reach for caffeinated or sugary beverages.
With these strategies from Herbalife Nutrition—and a diet that contains plenty of fresh, water-dense foods—keeping your body well-hydrated during the summer will be easy.
Learn more from Herbalife – http://iamherbalifenutrition.com/