Staying hydrated is the key to maintain your health and well-being. Whether you need to lose some weight, get glowing skin or stay away from diseases, drinking the right amount of clean water can be of great help. However, make sure you drink clean water that is free of contaminants to get the maximum benefits. Whenever, you are thirsty, your body sends signs indicating that you need to drink water and stay hydrated.
Importance of drinking water in summer
This increases many fold because during the summer season lots of water and electrolytes get depleted with sweating. Medically, chronic fatigue is linked to long standing dehydration.The cells in the body need water to carry out normal enzymatic activities. If someone is dehydrated, he finds it difficult to produce the energy that is needed to keep him moving. Water can help get rid of a fatigue or pull you out of low-energy levels.
Now the big question arises how much water to drink in a day during summer?
One must consume at least 7-8 glasses in summer if he is not indulging in any strenuous workout and sweating excessively and 8-10 glasses, if there is too much sweating.
The warning signs that indicate you are not drinking enough water:
Feeling Tired or Lethargic
There may be times when you feel lethargic or tired throughout the day even after getting enough sleep. This is a warning sign that you are dehydrated. According to the Natural Hydration Council, dehydration is the main cause of one in 10 cases of tiredness. When you are dehydrated, your blood gets thicker and as a result your heart needs more energy to circulate oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Joint Pain
The cartilages and spinal discs in your body are made up of 80% water. This is the reason why you need to stay hydrated so that the bones don’t grind against each other. When you keep your body hydrated, you ensure that the joints in your body can easily absorb shock of sudden movements, such as running, jumping or a sudden fall.
Hunger Pangs
If you feel hungry even after eating a heavy meal, it’s an indication that you are dehydrated. When you don’t drink enough water, your body starts thinking that it needs some food. This not only happens throughout the day but also at night when you crave for midnight snacks. However, when you binge on something, your body needs to work harder to burn the food. Drinking water at this time purifies the organs and supplies your body with enough fuel to keep you energetic.
Digestive Problems
Fibre is an essential nutrient that helps in the digestive process. However, without the support of enough water, fiber can’t perform its function and may lead to constipation. In short, staying hydrated makes it easy for your body to digest the food and eases constipation. In addition, not drinking enough water also increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Headache
If you suffer from frequent headaches, it indicates that you are dehydrated. The loss of even a small quantity of water can lead to headache symptoms. In addition to headache, you also start feeling dizzy, and lethargic. Whenever you get slight headache, make sure you start drinking water steadily.
5 Tips to Help You Drink More
Follow these simple tips to increase your fluid intake:
- Have a beverage (preferably non sweetened) with meals like buttermilk.
- Try having buttermilk, coconut water, unsweetened lime water, fresh juices, and flavored water instead of colas and fizzy drinks
- Eat fruits and vegetables which are high in water content like water melon, cucumber, tomatoes, bottle gourd etc.; they will not only provide you with hydration, but give you lots of fibre also.
- Always carry a bottle of water along with you wherever you go.
- Download an App that reminds you to drink water every hour.
Dehydration, especially during summer, can lead to serious health problems. This is the reason why you need to make sure that you keep drinking water at regular intervals. However, make sure that you drink clean and safe water to stay away from diseases.