Why is dehydration a problem over summer?

Warmer summer weather can bring with it a number of health problems – from swollen feet to sunburn and insect bites. One of the most common conditions in summer is dehydration, yet this is also one of the easiest to prevent. 

Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water. The most common reason is simply not drinking enough water, but summer presents some extra factors that increase your chances of becoming dehydrated.

Hot weather is a major factor because our bodies lose water in the form of sweat in order to keep cool. But, almost ironically, it often brings with it an increased consumption of alcohol. An extra glass of wine or two a day on vacation, or just a cool beer in the sun after work, or a couple of drinks with friends in the park – it all adds up!

What are the consequences of dehydration?

Aside from oxygen, water is the body’s most precious resource. You can survive for a relatively long time (around three weeks) without food and we can survive months, even years with vitamin and mineral deficiencies – but you can only survive three to four days without water, or less in hotter weather.

Nearly all of the body’s functions, organs and structures require water. Water is vital for cell activity, digestion, brain function, lubrication and energy production. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, dry skin, fatigue, constipation, sore joints and dizziness. Severe dehydration is much more serious and can lead to heat exhaustion, which can cause irritability and confusion, low blood pressure, rapid or weak heartbeat and fainting. In extreme cases, this can lead to heat stroke.

What kind of water is best?

Kangen Water is renowned for its ability to hydrate instantly, as well as provide an enormous amount of other benefits. Specifically, ionized alkaline water is an excellent source of healthful hydration because not only does it taste better with a superior mouth-feel, it is more readily absorbed by the body. This increases the “drinkability” of water by reducing the usual feeling of being “bloated” from drinking the recommended daily allowance of 8 glasses per day. By buying your own device you can access the world class water in the comfort of your own home. 

How to increase your water intake

We know it can sometimes be tricky to squeeze drinking water into your daily routine, so we’ve got some tips to help you:

• Drink a glass of water in the morning when you get up.
• Take a big bottle of water to work with you (or at home, during this pandemic) and aim to finish it by the end of the day. It can sometimes help to use a straw as this helps you sip often throughout the day. When you aren’t at work, aim to have drunk the same amount by around the same time you would normally finish work.
• Before or during dinner have another glass of water. It can also help with portion control.
• Have one more glass of water in the evening, but make sure it isn’t too close to your bedtime or you’ll need to get up in the night!

Obviously this is just a basic guideline. And with the assistance of Kangen Water, you can revolutionize the way you stay hydrated. While the temperature shoots past 90 degrees and beyond, attending to your inner and outer health is imperative to keeping up with work, school, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. 

Want to invest in your health this summer, and year round? Neil can provide unique insight into how an Enagic device can upgrade your life.