We all know how dangerous hot weather can be for our body. The heat in question can not only cause tremendous discomfort but also threaten our health. And not just because of the high temperature, but also because of the dehydration it leads to. So, how to take care of hydration, especially during exhausting heat?
Water loss
Adequate hydration is necessary for the proper functioning of our body. Therefore, we should care for it throughout the whole year. However, in the spring and summer, we should particularly take care. Why? Because when sweating, we not only lose water, but also valuable minerals dissolved in our circulation. By sweating, our body protects us by maintaining body temperature at an optimal level. On the other hand, it rinses out valuable minerals. Magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, zinc, copper, iron - it all goes out along with the sweat. Therefore, drinking water alone may not be enough. And then the answer to our problem is to drink healthy drinks on hot days.
Water
If you reach for water in the summer, reach only for one that contains large amounts of minerals. Remember, however, that low amount of them can be found in the mineral water. Also, they are not accompanied by vitamins necessary for proper functioning. So don’t forget about other drinks. You can also prepare mineral water yourself, which is a very healthy idea. All you have to do is boil the tap water and then set it aside to cool. Then add some slices of lemon, mandarin, orange or other favorite citrus fruits. You can also add some mint leaves. In this way you will receive a refreshing and light drink, ensuring proper hydration of the body.
Juices
When we talk about healthy drinks, we first think of freshly squeezed fruit juices. However, you must remember that the fruits contain a lot of sugar. They will provide you with important vitamins and minerals, but at the same time, they will make you want to drink them again soon. You will feel your mouth dry or sticky with excess sugar. That is why it is worth reaching for vegetable juices, mainly tomato and cucumber juices. They are not only rich in minerals and vitamins, but also contain a small amount of sugar and are low in calories.
Ice tea
Ice tea can also be extremely helpful in quenching thirst. When we provide our organism with a cool drink it will be easier for it to keep at optimal, 36.6 degrees Celsius temperature. Thanks to this, we will overcome tiredness more easily. And what tea to choose? Preferably green and white ones. In addition to minerals and vitamins, both contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Fruit Smoothies
Fruit quenches thirst, provided that we do not eat them in large quantities. We can also use them to prepare delicious cocktails based on milk or kefir. Both of these products are rich in protein, thanks to which they support the body in maintaining a healthy temperature. Preparation of such cocktails takes just a moment because all you have to do is mix the fruits in a blender and then mix them with kefir or curdled milk. We can put such a cocktail in the fridge and enjoy it for the whole day.
Hydration of the body - what to avoid?
The list of prohibited drinks includes alcohol, coffee, strong tea and carbonated sweetened drinks. Alcohol reduces the efficiency of the body’s circulatory system, which can become dangerous in time of hot weather. Coffee flushes out magnesium and potassium, which are especially needed for the proper heart functioning. And strong tea and carbonated drinks - effectively remove electrolytes from the body.
So that during hot weather our body is not weakened and exposed to the effects of overheating, remember to properly hydrate it. Proper hydration will make us feel better and healthier!
