As the summer heat rises, it is even more important to drink enough water to function properly and to ward off the consequences of dehydration like dizziness, weakness, and confusion.

Hydration 101

As the summer heat rises, it is even more important to drink enough water to function properly and to ward off the consequences of dehydration like dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Dehydration causes your heart to work over time to give oxygen to the rest of your body. All of this expended energy will lead to tiredness and fatigue. Other signs you may be dehydrated include dark-colored urine or decreased urine output, light-headedness, flushed skin, and intolerance to heat. Your body is nearly two-thirds water so it is imperative that you drink enough fluids to stay healthy.

Your body needs water to:
  • Regulate body temperature
  • Keep your eyes, nose, and mouth moist
  • Protect your organs
  • Provide nutrients to your cells
  • Lubricate joints
  • Flush out waste products

A good way to see if you are properly hydrated is to monitor the color of your urine. Your urine is a mix of water, electrolytes and waste that your kidneys filter out from your blood. When you’re healthy and hydrated, your urine should fall somewhere between colorless and the color of light straw and honey. When you don’t consume enough fluids, your urine becomes more concentrated and turns a darker yellow or amber color.

Hydration Challenge: This week we challenge you to carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. Let’s stay healthy and hydrated.