As we continue this health journey with you, we want to highlight our second pillar of health success. With summer practically here and the temperatures rising, hydration has never been more important. Drinking water and keeping hydrated can seem like a monotonous task that we don’t really give much thought to, but in the grand scheme of things, hydration is what keeps us alive.
The institute of medicine recommends that men drink 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages per day and women should intake 9 cups (2.2 liters) of beverages per day. These numbers of course are different for everyone and depend on activity level, living climate, and overall quality of health.
Our bodies use water in a variety of ways, many of which are essential for life:
- Carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells
- Flushing bacteria out of our bodies
- Aiding in digestion
- Normalizing blood pressure
- Stabilizing the heartbeat
- Cushioning joints
- Protecting organs and tissues
- Regulating body temperature
- Maintaining electrolyte balance
Summertime poses a threat to our hydration levels as people begin to spend more time outside and in the sun. The increasing temperatures and humidity levels put us at risk for dehydration and heat illnesses. When we are losing water (sweating) and not replacing our deficits, we disrupt many of our bodies normal functions and can start experiencing serious side-effects that can lead to worse conditions. Weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, and dark-colored urine are all signs of dehydration that can easily be prevented with proper intake of fluids.
For most of us dehydration is 100% preventable yet we always seem to fall short at drinking the recommended amounts. There are a handful of healthy ways to add flavor to your water like fruit infusion, sugar free flavorings, or even water soluble supplements. Life Priority offers a handful of mixable supplements so you can receive your nutrients while remaining hydrated! Drink up friends!