Stay Hydrated
1. Drink plenty of water. A cup of water each morning is a very healthy way to start the day. The water you drink should have a Ph of 7 or higher.
2. Know the signs of heat exhaustion vs. sunstroke (which occurs usually during strenuous activity). Heat exhaustion will have a temp above 103, red, hot and dry skin, no sweating, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, upset stomach, confusion and passing out. Sunstroke will have symptoms of heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness dizziness, headache, upset stomach or vomiting and fainting. See the CDC Infographic post for more info on how to treat heat exhaustion and sunstroke in the next post.
3. Check your urine. Pale urine is good. Dark yellow or amber color means you have mild to severe dehydration unless other medications or vitamins are affecting this.
4. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine and replenish when you sweat. Drinks like these work against hydration. Even flavored milk can be a culprit against hydration. PURE WATER is still the BEST! Infused water is great! Better yet, make your own electrolyte drink. Recipe to follow next week.
5. Cool Down. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. No strenuous sports or physical activities during heat waves or the hot months.
6. Eat foods with high water content. 20% of our water intake comes from food. Watermelon is not only delicious but it keeps you hydrated AND is a good source of vitamin C! More foods high in water content are cucumbers, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges, and strawberries.
7. Consider fermented foods to keep your gut biome in balance which can improve your digestion and absorption of food and nutrients—including water.
8. Try a home hygrometer to help you keep track of the temperature and humidity at the same time.