The moment you step out the door, there it is. The heat.
We love our Texas sunshine, but let’s face it; summers can be unbearably hot and humid. Keeping your body hydrated is important during any season, but especially during the peak of summer when it doesn’t take much to break a sweat. So, what’s the best thing to do? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
We’re all well-versed in the importance of staying hydrated, whether it’s summer or not, but the principle bears repeating. Water is as essential to our health as the air we breathe.
Hydration means more than just quenching your thirst. Drinking water should be a regular part of your daily routine, especially since water comprises over 50% of our bodies. Just as a river provides life-sustaining support to a dry landscape, water serves to supply our bodies with key nutrients, keeps things moving through our system, and protects our vital organs.
Now consider how important that is when you’re physically active and sweating! How can you decrease the risk of dehydration? Here are a few ideas.
- Drink plenty of water.
This should be obvious, but how easy is it to go about your day and not even think about it? Our hot, humid weather can leave you dehydrated even if you aren’t exercising. Start your day with a glass of water and drink more gradually throughout the day.Stay away from caffeinated drinks, alcohol, sports drinks, and soda. Those beverages might taste great, but they don’t replenish lost fluids; in fact, the sugar and salt in some drink remove fluid from tissues. Just water, simple water.Not a fan of drinking water? We get it. Plain water is boring, but you can spruce up the taste with lemons, limes, berries, or cucumbers — fresh flavors without sweeteners or preservatives.
- Enjoy food with high water content.
Fresh produce is an organic way to help keep your body hydrated, and fruits and veggies like cucumbers, watermelon, celery, tomatoes, and strawberries are great healthy snacks. - Replenish fluid when you sweat.
Whether you’re working outdoors or playing a sport, it’s important to start drinking before the activity begins — and continue before and afterward too. Even if you work out in our climate-controlled Corpus Christi gyms, the heat and humidity can deplete your body of fluids and electrolytes before you even realize it.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Working outdoors or exercising inside, dehydration can occur anywhere — even when you’re in air conditioning. And it’s not just a byproduct of summer heat; dehydration happens anytime your body is lacking enough vital fluids to function properly. Learn the symptoms so you can seek help immediately:
- Headache, dizziness and fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid breathing
- Not urinating
If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the heat, reduce your body temperature, and slowly rehydrate. If they are serious, please call 911.
Enjoy your summer, stay safe — and we’ll see you at our gyms in Corpus Christi!
