Keeping yourself hydrated is important to maintain healthy functioning of your body, keeping your weight and metabolism in balance and flushing out toxins. During summer months, you need to take extra care since people tend to lose a lot of bodily fluids that could cause dehydration if uncontrolled. Furthermore, as you grow older, you begin losing your thirst and may take in fewer fluids. Dehydration could lower your blood pressure, affect cognitive functioning, and induce chronic fatigue or weakness. Hydration is the key to your well-being, happiness and longevity. Hydration could also prevent premature aging as well as onset of wrinkles and fine lines.

Here’s what you could do to stay hydrated.

Water is your top priority

Take around eight glasses of water daily if you aren’t taking any fruits or vegetables on a certain day. Water maintains the normal functioning of kidneys, which then facilitate washing out toxins. You tend to lose water through perspiration or physical activities. If you have to spend most of your waking hours outdoors or working out, always keep a bottle of water or fresh juice in your pack. Keep refilling whenever you run out.

Furthermore, never drink water while standing up. When you drink water sitting down, the fluids remain in your system and allow the stomach to absorb nutrients and improve kidney functioning. If you drink while standing up, the water just passes through without your system absorbing the nutrients. If this continues, you would start having kidney problems. Drinking water while standing could cause arthritis, disrupt the fluid balance in your body, and damage the digestive system in the long run. Therefore, drink water sitting down and slowly.

Fresh juices

Instead of getting commercial juices which contain several grams of sugar and preservatives, take out time to make juice at your home. You would find healthy recipes for homemade juices on health and fitness websites. Get creative and mix fruits or vegetables, such as ABC juice – apple, beetroot and carrot.

Fruits and veggies

The key to remaining healthy and weight loss is to eat more fruits and vegetables. Instead of loading on junk food, try replacing unhealthy food with a fruit or vegetable salad. You could check out healthy salad and juice recipes here to maintain good health as you grow older.

Signs of dehydration

• Lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Reduced need to go to the washroom
• Muscle cramps
• Kidney stones
• Dizziness
• Dark patches around eye
• Moodiness
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Increased thirst

Therefore, health comes first. The statement “health is wealth” is more than just a phrase and hold immense importance. Increase your intake of fruits and veggies that have high water content, including cucumbers, grapefruits, watermelons, grapes and coconut water. You can easily find recipes for homemade juices, cocktails or smoothies to recharge your day and prevent lethargy. Avoid foods or drinks that dehydrate you, such as raw salt and caffeinated beverages, including: coffee. A cup of coffee pulls four glasses of water from your body; therefore, you want to lay off those extra cups per day.

If you’re looking to reach your personal health and wellness goals, let Jennifer Nicole Lee be your personal trainer and life coach! Be sure to visit our website today and look through our different fitness programs. With thousands of videos, nutritional coaching, and motivational advice, you’ll be sure to find a workout regimen perfect for you!