6 Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated
How to prevent dehydration in San Diego’s warm, dry climate
How to prevent dehydration in San Diego’s warm, dry climate
Our region is dry year-round and hot sun can do a number on anyone, especially youngsters or those working up a sweat — you can lose 40 percent of your body’s water during exercise.
“Fluids are essential to keeping the vital organs active,” says Stacie Ly, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad. “Dehydration can be mild, moderate or severe, based on how much of your body’s fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe cases can lead to a hospital trip for IV fluids and could sometimes result in kidney damage or nervous system problems.”
The elderly are also at a higher risk for dehydration.
“Older people may forget to drink water or not recognize their thirst,” says Dr. Ly. “They might also neglect to prevent dehydration the same way a younger person would. Be cognizant about that if you have a parent or older person around.”
How much water should you drink a day?
According to Dr. Ly, there’s something to the old “eight glasses a day” adage. For adults, a half-gallon — 64 ounces, or eight (8-ounce) glasses — is recommended. You may need more if you’re exercising or the weather is especially hot.
And if you’re working out intensely or dehydration symptoms like headache or lightheadedness have already set in, electrolytes are key.
“Water is nice, but when you’re dehydrated you also need electrolytes,” Dr. Ly says. Skip the diet drinks, though. Sugar helps the electrolytes absorb.
Six tips for staying hydrated
Both doctors agree, your best defense against dehydration is prevention. Follow these six tips to stay safe and healthy, especially when temperatures — or your activity levels — increase:
1. Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink.
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated. Sip water steadily throughout the day and drink more fluids than usual when the weather is hot, especially if you’re active.
2. Flavor your water.
If plain water tastes boring to you, you can add flavor with fresh fruits or a splash of fruit juice. You can also consume clear broths, ice pops or sports drinks (especially if you're doing intense exercise). Just make sure to limit caffeine and alcohol.
3. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables.
Certain fruits and vegetables contain plenty of water in addition to healthful nutrients. Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches and pineapples are fruits with high-water content. Water-rich vegetables include cucumbers, leafy greens, radishes, celery, zucchini and tomatoes.
4. Stay inside when it gets too hot
On very hot days, stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, try a shopping center, movie theater or public library. Avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, when the rays are strongest. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening.
5. Dress for the weather
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing that lets your skin breathe. Dark colors absorb heat, so stick with lighter shades. Wear a wide-brimmed hat in the sun to keep your head cool and use plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn, which can increase your skin temperature and make it harder to stay cool.
6. Be aware of the signs of dehydration (below)
If anyone in your family is ill, pay attention to how much they’re able to drink — especially young children and the elderly. Anyone with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait for signs of dehydration to appear.
Dehydration symptoms
Keep an eye out for any of these signs of dehydration in children or adults:
- Darker-than-usual urine
- Not urinating despite steadily drinking water
- Muscle cramps
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Craving sweets
- Dry mouth/skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.