Summer Hydration Essentials
Well, we’ve made it to the thick of summer, and as we recover from another—but certainly not the last—heat wave, it’s a perfect time for a hydration refresher. Hydration is one of those things that’s easy to forget—until you’re dragging through the day with a headache, dry mouth, or serious brain fog. Water is essential for almost every function in the body: it regulates temperature, cushions joints, supports digestion, and helps you think clearly. In the summer, when the heat’s cranked up and sweat is flowing, staying hydrated becomes even more important.
When you sweat, your body loses both fluids and electrolytes—minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These help keep your muscles moving, your heart beating, and your nerves firing like they should. If you’re not replenishing what you lose, you might start to feel tired, dizzy, or just “off.”
While plain water is, of course, the first step to hydration, hot weather calls for a little extra effort. Here are a few smart, simple tips to stay hydrated when the heat is on:
Drink early and often. Make water the first drink of the day. Regular water breaks before you feel thirsty keep you ahead of dehydration. Once you experience the sensation of thirst, it means you're already playing catch-up.
Carry a reusable water bottle. Let it be a reminder during your day, and never get caught thirsty.
Eat water-rich foods. Think watermelon, cucumbers, oranges—nature’s snacks with a hydration bonus.
Replenish electrolytes. After sweating it out, add a little salt and potassium back into the mix. This doesn’t necessarily require purchasing hydration supplements, though they can be a convenient, on-the-go option for some people. Replenishing minerals is easier than you think. Sodium can come from just a tiny pinch of salt in your water. Some refreshing sources of potassium include honeydew, oranges, and dates. (Check out our recipe for DIY Refreshing Electrolyte Drink!)
Balance your drinks. Coffee and cocktails can dehydrate, so pair them with water.
Cool off when you can. Less sweating = less fluid lost.
Bottom line: Your body runs better when it’s well-hydrated—especially in the summer sun. Think of it as daily maintenance for feeling good and functioning well.
