We can all get easily distracted and act in ways which don’t prioritise what our body needs, such as keeping hydrated. Especially in summer, as we lose more fluid through our skin via sweat, and so staying hydrated in the hot weather is even more important. Being well hydrated has several benefits, including: ensuring body temperature stability, filtering waste products effectively and helping the heart pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles more easily.
Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated and keep your heart healthy this summer:
1. A new water bottle
Investing in a new water bottle such as astainless steel water bottle is one good way to motivate yourself to stay properly hydrated. A Stein water bottle can keep your water cold for 24 hours, helps the environment and is available in several different colours, patterns and sizes to suit your needs. Drinking water never looked so good.
2. Tracking your water intake
There are water bottles that include features to help you drink more water. Some bottles light up to remind you to pick it up, and others have a bluetooth-connected app that beeps when you need to drink more water.
3. Mix up your water
For those who find water too boring, try spicing it up. Adding fruits such as strawberry, lime, cucumber, mint or your favourite fruit can help mix up your water and make it more exciting.
4. Eating the right foods/fruits with a high water content
If you train your eyes to notice them, there are lots of summer foods and fruits with a high water content such as watermelons, cherries, grapes and cucumber. These are great to snack on throughout the day to help bring additional water into your system and provide vitamins and nutrients that are good for your health.
5. Eyes on your urine
It’s a well-known fact that your hydration level is duly represented by the color of your urine. If it turns a bright shade of amber, you know that you need to drink more water. Pale and clear means you’re well hydrated.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may mean you need to drink more water. People with cystic fibrosis have high concentrations of sodium in their sweat and also need to use caution to avoid dehydration. And some medications can act as diuretics, causing the body to lose more fluid. Try these tips this summer and experience the many heart health benefits of staying hydrated.
Guest post by Duncan Kingori from HealthyHumanLife. He has a background in communication and public relations and enjoys writing content on a variety of topics.
Sources:
American Heart Association
