By the time we make it to August, we’ve been hearing about (not to mention feeling!!) the heat for months. We’ve moved from “wishing for Spring” to “hating the dog days” in what may feel like a week.
And in the supreme heat you’ve probably heard and read quite a bit about hydration. But have you been getting the fluids you need?
Do you even know why you need so much?
Well, our bodies are 55-60% water. (Yes, that means you can multiply the number on the scale by .4 and say the rest is “water weight” if you need to.) According to the USDA: Our bodies depend on water to keep our cells and body systems running smoothly. Most importantly, it is used to maintain blood volume, which is imperative for regulating body temperature and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. Water also provides a medium for the biochemical reactions that occur at the cellular level. In addition, water is crucial for the removal of waste products through the formation of urine by the kidneys.
So when it gets so hot outside you can barely breathe, the sweat you use to regulate your body temperature ends up dehydrating you; not only does it become harder to sweat, but your blood volume is diminished and can’t help keep your body at the right temperature.
That’s bad.
BUT, the good news is that you don’t have to drink only water and non-caffeinated beverages to keep yourself hydrated.
Nope: you can eat your water, too.
The more fresh fruits and vegetables you can consume (and the fewer high sodium processed foods) the better for your hydration.
How handy, then, that summer fruits like watermelon and peaches and vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are so readily available to us—for some of us, they are right in our back yards! (Did you know broccoli is 90% water? Broccoli?!)
Rather than foregoing the recommended daily water altogether, when it’s extra hot reach for high-water fruits and vegetables to ensure you are staying healthy, safe, and hydrated.
I did not know this about broccoli, my favorite veggie. I say “Cheers!” as I raise my class of broccoli and toast to our health!
I didn’t know that about broccoli either
The hydration issue is a year-round problem for me, here in Singapore. Always looking for more tips and hints on how to stay hydrated when I’m training. Great post!