Hydration

Well the heat wave is still inundating Jasper County; so in order for your body to manage the heat and humidity, you must stay hydrated.

Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Your body needs water to lubricate your joints, remove waste, and regulate temperature.

You should drink water every day. A reasonable goal is 48-64oz a day. While this amount can be contributed to from fruits, vegetables, broths, and other drinks such as milk, herbal teas, and coffee; clear water is best as your kidneys will not have to work as hard and there are no added—calories, caffeine, or colorings.

Your body gives you so much information as to how it is operating. A quick check on your hydration is to check your urine. Copious and clear (or light yellow) is ideal.

The earmark of 48-64oz per day does NOT include if you are doing any exercise or work, especially outdoors and in the heat. Just remember that the feeling of thirst is a very late indicator that your body needs fluids; staying hydrated is paramount to maintaining your level of activity and bouncing back even when you’re exhausted.

Staying hydrated boosts your mood, helps prevent headaches, helps you lose weight, protects against disease, advances brain-power, and increases energy!

While I’ve heard my share about water being boring, it doesn’t have to be! Toss in a few slices of lemon, lime, oranges, blueberries, cucumbers, strawberries, or even watermelon to give your water a little flavor!

I freeze half a water bottle lying on its side each night with a few slices of lemon so that the next morning I top it off and I have cold water while the frozen part slowly melts. It keeps me hydrated while out on calls and doing station duties.

Whatever you have to do to stay hydrated, your body will thank you!