With summer just around the corner and temperatures rising it's important to stay well-hydrated during the summer months. Most of us don't drink enough water in the first place, add in the higher temperatures and more outdoor activity, it all adds up to sweating more, leading to more fluid loss and potential dehydration. Dehydration can cause a large number of physical problems from headaches and migraines, to constipation to deep fatigue or loss of energy.

What to drink

Before you reach for that cheap 54-oz Big Gulp think about what your body needs in terms of hydration. It certainly doesn't need all that sugar. An 8-oz can of Sprite claims that it has 26 g of sugar, multiplied by 6.75 to equal a 54-oz drink, that comes to 175.5 g of sugar, not to mention all those chemicals. If you're drinking sugar-free, you are taking in even more chemicals. And let's not forget that caffeinated sodas would deliver a jolting 155 mg of caffeine.

Other popular summer drinks include the thought of a refreshing cold beer on a hot day, or perhaps a wine spritzer or an alcopop. But it's important to remember that alcohol is a diuretic; this means you lose more body fluids when you drink it. So even though after spending the day in the hot summer sun that beer, wine cooler, or mixed drink seems cool and refreshing, it won't help you stay healthy and hydrated.

The hydration factor

To figure out how much hydration you need, calculate your body weight. Divide that in half for the number of ounces needed to be properly hydrated. Divide that number by 8 to get the number of cups of fluid.

For example:

150 pounds
divided by 2 = 75
divided by 8 = 9.4 cups

Take that number, divide it by four and then set a “hydration alarm” approximately every two hours. When the alarm goes off put your beverage in front of you with the goal to drink it before the alarm goes off again.

Remember that this does not mean plain water. Too much water is not healthy either as it can dilute your electrolyte balance. Soups, herbal teas, food with lots of liquid (like watermelon), plus water all count towards a daily hydration goal.

May 1-7 is National Drinking Water Week!

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Rehydrate and refresh

Choose drink choices that are actually good for you. Here are a few suggestions:

Water – always good, water is exactly what your body needs. For a refreshing change to plain water add a slice of citrus to your water. For a cool and cleansing taste try slices of peeled cucumber or even a sprig of mint.
Iced tea – although tea does have caffeine if you make your iced teas with green tea you'll be getting less caffeine overall. Or you can use herbal teas which have no caffeine and are delicious and enjoyable.
Spritzers – adding your favorite juice to cool seltzer water with some ice and perhaps a slice of fresh fruit can be a great way to stay hydrated. The usual proportions are 30% juice 70% seltzer. Just be sure to choose juices that are 100% juice, no additives, no preservatives, no colors. If you are using concentrated juice you will need to adjust the proportions to your preference.
Agua fresca – these cool and tasty drinks, originally from Mexico, are made by taking blended fresh fruit, usually melons, and combining them with water, sugar, and a splash of lime juice. Because there is sugar, with both the fresh fruit and the added sugar, these should be consumed in moderation. There is a delicious recipe posted below.
Lemonade or limeade – made with citrus juice, water and sugar this can be very satisfying and cooling. If you make it yourself you control how much sugar is in it. There are a wide number of tasty recipes available online.

Agua Fresca

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups of melon (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, etc), seeded, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups cold water
2 tablespoons evaporated cane juice crystals
juice of 1-2 limes

Instructions

Blend melon to a pulp in the blender
Strain pulp to remove fibers
In a pitcher mix together water and sugar until sugar crystals dissolve
Add melon juice
Add lime juice to taste
Serve over ice

Containers

Instead of relying on the availability of drinks on the road, one of the best things you can do to stay hydrated is taking your container with you. Don't drink from plastic containers if you can at all avoid it due to issues with BPA. To learn more watch my interview with Lara Adler, The Environmental Toxins Nerd.

Glass or stainless steel containers are your best bet. My personal favorite is Glasstic, a shatterproof plastic cylinder around a glass center cylinder. Easy to take apart and wash in the dishwasher, the company claims these are the last water bottle you'll ever need. I bought three over two years ago and they're still going strong. Get 10% off with this link!

Lara is also teaching about the issues with water contamination & filtration since 2012. Learn more from Lara and check out her brand-new e-course, PURE: Finding The Best Filter, For The Purest Water. She created it to educate and empower you, so you can find the very best water filter for your situation.

Learn More on my Ebook: Hydration For A Healthy Life

Discover the secrets to staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with "Hydration For A Healthy Life". Learn about the importance of water, electrolytes, and alkaline beverages, as well as tips for staying hydrated year-round. Plus, enjoy delicious recipes for infused waters that make hitting your hydration goals easy and enjoyable.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply looking to improve your overall health, this eBook has everything you need to keep your body running smoothly. Grab your copy now and drink up to a healthier you!

Stay Well-Hydrated For Summer