In these HOT summer months there are so many reasons you should be drinking water. Many of us actually crave it since our body needs it so much. The question is how do you tell if you are actually getting enough? How can you tell if you actually are dehydrated?

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when our bodies are not consuming enough water or fluids to account for the water lost. Although our bodies process and lose water at a baseline rate, we can lose fluids at higher rates when we are sick, exercising, sweating heavily or suffering from other conditions that result in the loss of excess amounts of water.

In these hot summer months it is even harder to avoid being dehydrated. The heat index has been well over 100 degrees here in Texas many of us don’t even realize that we are not getting enough water.

How to tell if you are dehydrated?

No matter your age you can become dehydrated. Younger children and infants might not be able to vocalize or recognize when they are thirsty. It is important to take note of the various symptoms attributed with dehydration. When humans feel thirsty they are already dehydrated, so the ability to recognize other associated symptoms might help you rehydrate sooner.

Some of the dehydration symptoms are:

• Muscle Fatigue
• Feeling groggy
• Not being able to think clearly
• Dizzy
• Thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Not using the restroom as often

How to help with dehydration

When you experience mild dehydration it can be treated simply by consuming enough fluids to replace the amount being lost by the body. Since you are already dehydrated when you are thirsty, it is important to remember to drink water throughout the day even when you do not think we need it.

One way to help is to make sure you keep track of your water intake and drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. An easy way to keep track of that is to have your own water bottle. If you have your own you can keep track of how much you are consuming.

When you are consuming water you can add fruits and veggies to it to help with taste. If it tastes good you will want to drink more! You can also consume fruits and veggies that are high in water content to help.

Avoid too much sugar and alcohol. Even though they taste good it is not good to always be consuming them. If you drink too much it will just add to your dehydration.

If you have any further questions about what you can do to keep hydrated this summer, make sure to ask the doctor on your next visit in. You can schedule your appointment HERE. Also make sure to follow us on social media via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Tiktok.