How to Stay Hydrated

Tips for Hydration and How to Make “Homemade Gatorade”

It’s summer time! Even if you don’t live in the desert, the climate is warmer than usual. I’m also guessing if we’re anything alike, you’re spending more time being active outdoors.

Those who personally know me, know the mantra. “Drink plenty of clean water.” Try as I may, it’s I can’t resist. I love people, and seeing them healthy and happy. Really, how can we forgo the benefits of drinking water and staying hydrated?

First hand I know the benefits of staying hydrated because growing up, I was the kid with kidney and bladder problems. I would never, ever, ever want anyone to endure that or sickness of any kind.

Do yourself a favor, learn how to stay hydrated. Let me explain why water and coconut water should be your BFFs during the hottest season.

Hydration matters

You, magnificent animal you! You consist from anywhere to 50-75% of water. This makes you down right amazing AND needy. Every cell, tissue, joint and organ needs water for your body to perform. You’ve got to have water to run the plumbing, take out the trash, control the thermostat, and lube the joints. You simply need it to run like fine-oiled machine, but with water instead. 😉

Signs of dehydration

Dehydration can take on various symptoms. Here’s a few you want to be on the lookout for:

Fatigue

Fuzzy brain or lightheadedness

Constipation

Dark/stinky or little urine

Headaches

Sore or cramping muscles

The obvious- dry “cotton” mouth

So how do we get dehydrated?

Big offenders to dehydration are heavy workouts or simply not drinking enough healthy liquids. Warmer weather and too much sun are apparent contributors as well. We need to be most diligent and replace rapid water loss when we’ve fallen ill. Fevers, vomiting and diarrhea can be sneaky, because times like this we aren’t usually at full attention.

How much water we need to stay hydrated

There’s no hard science detailing specifics because every individual body is different with varying needs. However, there’s a collective yardstick we can all use that goes a little deeper than “drink 8 glasses of water” a day. Health experts go a little deeper in what our bodies need and I think this handy dandy chart will serve you well.

Consider your lifestyle. Are you sweating to the Oldies with Richard Simmons? Then by all means, hydrate. Perhaps, you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, then drink more water. (Even if you are man, you can drink more water.) 😉 Do you live in Antarctica or Arizona? Just use your wisdom.

When people who tell me they hate water or coconut water, I tell them, “Cry yourself a river, build a bridge, and get over it!” Okay, not really, but I could. The truth is, hydration is vital. Kindly, spruce things up by adding citrus or even berries to your water. Also, you can hydrate with variety by consuming natural, no sugar added juices from fruits and veggies, and herbal teas.

I don’t mean to sound like the beverage cop, but you’ll stay better hydrated avoiding caffeinated drinks. You’ll also find water in the food you eat from soups, salads, fruits and veggies. Some of the best advice we can take in reference to hydration is to immediately bathe our cells upon waking with a glass of water followed by a cup warm lemon water. Drink between your meals and enjoy a little coconut water for a nightcap. I call this Happy Hour. It’s my four ounces of pure love!

Should you skip traditional sports drinks and make your own instead?

But of course! Short and simple, I’m not aware of any healthy commercial sports drinks on the market. Most have high fructose corn syrup, artificial sugars, food dyes, and high levels of sodium. These chemical cocktails are counterintuitive for those who diligently work out or want to stay hydrated.

Here’s to healthier choices! Enjoy some coconut water or “Homemade Gatorade”. I’m a huge fan of coconut water. And if you aren’t living at the beach drinking it straight from the fruit, here’s the next best option. Look for labels that say “no sugar added,” “not from concentrate,” and “non-GMO”. Pour, drink, say “ahhhh.”

Here’s your all natural “Homemade Gatorade” recipe:

40 ounces of water

½ teaspoon of sea salt

1 full lemon or lime

Add 6 fresh oranges or 8 more lemons or lime (your choice)

Raw honey or Stevia to taste

Try this recipe or give coconut water a chance if you haven’t already. Let me know what you’re doing to stay hydrated, healthy and happy! Psst…and by the way, tell me, are you drinking enough water? 😉