The summer heat and humidity continue to linger as August arrives. With that heat and humidity comes a higher chance of dehydration. Instead of limiting yourself from enjoying the summer sunshine, understand the dangers of dehydration and come up with new ways to enjoy hydration!
According to (UCLA Health), approximately three out of four Americans are “chronically dehydrated”. Dehydration is detrimental to the body as water is essential for human beings to function properly. Water aids the digestive system, kidney function, joints and muscles, skin health, and regulates body temperature (Mayo Clinic). However, hydration doesn’t have to be boring.
5 Easy Ways to Up Your Hydration Routine:
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Add Natural Flavor
Your water doesn’t have to be plain! Add fruits to your water such as strawberries, blueberries, and citruses or herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary to create a vibrant midday refresher. Check out the Co-op’s produce section for fresh, local, and in-season additions to your glass of water.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Produce can increase your water intake. When grabbing an afternoon snack, think about choosing melons, lettuce, cabbage, oranges, berries, or cucumbers. These foods have a high water content and can help you reach your hydration goals.
Drink Bubbles
Sparkling water can be a welcome change for your taste buds. Try unsweetened sparkling water or add carbonation to your water to change up your water texture. However, avoid club soda as it contains salt which can lead to dehydration.
Flavor Your Ice
What’s more refreshing than a cup of ice water? A cup of ice water with colorful ice cubes! This August, add fruits or herbs to your ice cube tray to make flavorful and artistic ice cubes. You can also make ice cubes out of juices with no sugar for an aesthetic and tasty hydration hack.
Image Source: Pexels.com
Image Source: Pexels.com
Make Fruit Slushies
The next time you’re looking for a cooling beverage look no further than blending ice with fresh fruit. Grab local fruit from the Co-op’s produce section or frozen fruit from the freezer aisle, add ice, and blend together for a simple slushie full of hues and hydration! An extra bonus? Foods like bananas, coconut and citrus naturally contain electrolytes like potassium and magnesium which are key minerals in restoring hydration after exercising or sweating.
Still struggling to feel motivated when it comes to hydration?
Stop by the Concord Food Co-op to pick up your own reusable Co-op mug or water bottle. Who says hydration can’t be fashionable?
