Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Your family and friends are likely planning a few outings this summer, so if you’re going to be spending a considerable amount of time outdoors, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Getting enough water is essential at all times of the year, but proper hydration in the summer reduces the chances of fatigue and heat stroke. Here are some practical tips that will keep you and your loved ones get ready to enjoy all the summer fun you have planned.

Eat Foods High In Water 

Even if you carry a water bottle with you each day, you may still be in need of more hydration. Add foods to your summer diet that will supply your body with more of the water that your muscles and joints need. Fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as yogurt, have a high water content that can prevent dehydration. Eating a fresh summer salad that combines fruits and vegetables is another great way to make sure you stay hydrated. A salad filled with fresh cucumbers, watermelon and tangerine is both tasty and hydrating, and it’s a tasty addition to your summer family picnic.

Try Coconut Water

If you find that you’re still thirsty after drinking several cups of water a day, you may want to give coconut water a try this summer. Aside from quenching your thirst, coconut water is also low in fat, so it could aid in your weight loss efforts. The antimicrobial content in coconut water is great for soothing your digestive tract, and can help to clear up your skin. Coconut water also contains electrolytes, which will replenish your body and help to prevent dehydration. You can add coconut water to your favorite fresh fruit juice, or add a few wedges of lemon or lime to the water for a refreshing summer treat.

Drink Herbal Tea

When you drink a cup of herbal tea, you’ll add more water to your diet while de-stressing after a long day. Herbal tea can also get rid of bloating and digestive discomfort in case you’ve consumed too many summer treats throughout the day. Peppermint and ginger teas are ideal for getting rid of an upset stomach, and these herbs promote hydration as well. Chamomile tea helps to restore the body’s moisture balance and can help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also enjoy these teas in iced form to make them even more refreshing for the summer time.

Add Fruit To Your Water 

To make your water more interesting, add fresh fruit. This enhances the taste of the water and provides you with additional nutrition, which is crucial in the summer months. Fruits like pineapple can reduce inflammation and provide your body with potassium to purify the blood and keep you from becoming lightheaded. Fresh berries are filled with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and can slow down the aging process. Watermelon gives your water a slightly sweet taste, and since the fruit itself has lots of water, you’ll be getting more hydration, as well as vitamins A and B6.

Keep Cocktails To A Minimum 

Finally, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake if you want to stay hydrated. Alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body, so the more you drink, the more moisture will leave your body. Lack of hydration coupled with summer heat can be damaging to your health, so remember to have a cup of water for every two cocktails. You can also drink coconut water after a night of cocktails to replenish your body.

Picture by Pradeepkumar