Hydration plays an important role in maintaining body temperature, supporting cellular functions, and keeping our skin healthy. Dehydration occurs when the body looses more fluid than it’s taking in. Symptoms may include headache, light-headedness, dizziness, dry mouth, and in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Drinking herbs that are caffeine free is best to prevent dehydration, such as chamomile and elderflower. And Tulsi (holy basil) can have a cooling effect on the body.
You can also help mitigate the negative effects of the heat by consuming hydrating foods, like vegetables, and fruits with high water, vitamin, and mineral content.
I like:
watermelon
strawberry
tomatoes
cantaloupe
coconut water
celery
cucumber
radish
romaine lettuce
bell pepper
Things I do to stay hydrated
Add electrolytes to drinking water. Adding a pinch of Celtic sea salt to a 32oz glass of purified or spring water will assist the body with retaining the necessary minerals for proper hydration.
Use filtered water or choose quality water sources. A quality filtration system or spring water can reduce exposure to chemicals (i.e, chlorine and flouride), microplatics and prescription medications commonly found in municipal drinking water. Use a water filtering system (such as Boroux - https://boroux.com/products/legacy-water-filter-system) or purchase spring water from a reputable source. Spring water has not been treated so it has the mineral content still in tact.
Increase water consumption through natural favorings. To encourage water intake you can try sparkling water or still water infusions. Make fruit or herbal water/ice cubes to have on hand for when the temperature gets hot. Try adding fresh cut herbs or fruit like lavender, mint, basil, cucumber, lemon, lime, ginger, lemongrass, orange, grapefruit, kiwi, mint or berries. I usually make a batch of cucumber/basil or strawberry/mint in the morning with a mason jar then let sit for an hour or two. You can also pop it into the fridge and it can last 48hrs.
Any of the above combinations or flavors can be added to any ice cube tray; just transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Wear ultra violet (UV) protective clothing and choose exercise times wisely. UV t-shirts or long sleeves not only protects you but can help keep the body cool. Choose morning or evening time to exercise and be active outdoors; this when UV and the temperatures are typically lowest.
Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption. Both are are diuretics that can cause rapid mineral loss, dehydration, and fatigue. If you consume these then you will need to increase your water consumption.
Products I like that are Available through my Fullscript account (sign up with me here)
Fine ground Celtic Sea Salt:
Celtic Sea salts retain the natural spectrum of essential minerals, supplying the body with over 80 vital trace minerals and elements. Add a pinch to 32 oz of water. Sip throughout the day between meals.
Aquon Matrix Isotonic sticks:
Aquon Matrix Isotonic 30 sticks by Celtic Sea Salt is a natural electrolyte thats ready to drink. It contains essential minerals collected from sea water that may help support vitality at a cellular level and help with hydration, especially during periods of high activity or stress. It can help replenish the minerals that are lost through sweat.
Electrolyte Forte by Biotics Research:
Electrolyte Forte is a comprehensive blend of essential minerals and vitamins, sweetened with monk fruit and boosted with vitamin C, taurine, beetroot and pomegranate juices. It is designed to promote hydration and support cellular electrolyte balance. It comes in a powder form so it’s easy to fill your favorite bottle and take it to go!