Live Well: Tips to Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluid is vital for good health. Fluid carries essential nutrients throughout your body and helps filter out toxins. Most people get about 20% of their total fluid from food, with the rest coming from beverages.

During the warmer months, staying hydrated can be particularly challenging. Higher temperatures, more frequent sun exposure, and increased sweating can all result in excess fluid loss from the body.

Try these simple tips to stay hydrated:

• Start your morning routine with water. Drink a glass of water while your morning coffee is brewing for a hydration boost early in the day.
• Measure your fluids. Fill a container with water in the morning and set a goal to consume it by a certain time. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance on how much fluid you need each day.
• Check the color of your urine. One of the easiest ways to check your hydration status is to look at the color of your urine. The darker your urine, the greater possibility of underhydration.
• Avoid getting overheated. When outdoors, look for shady areas to prevent excessive sweating and fluid loss. Stay inside during heat advisories and drink plenty of fluids.
• Set hydration alarms. If you tend to forget to hydrate during the busy workday, set a series of alarms and take regular hydration breaks.
• Consider boosting your electrolytes. Hydration multipliers and electrolyte drinks have flooded the market in recent years. These products claim to be more hydrating than plain water due to a special combination of ingredients that make it easier for the body to absorb. Many of these products contain high amounts of sugar and sodium, which may not be suitable for everyone. When it comes to hydration products, read labels carefully and ask your healthcare provider for guidance, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medications that may affect your fluid status.