Stay Hydrated This Summer

Now that summer’s here and the weather is warmer, doctors remind everyone it is important to stay hydrated. While good advice, most of us don’t really know how much water we should drink each day. To make it easy, Dr. Neal Patel, a family medicine specialist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, states, to determine how much water you need, take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2 or 3. Using this guide, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should drink between about 60 and 100 ounces of water per day. However, if you are outside a lot, the weather is very warm, or you are active, you will need to increase your normal amount. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports data showing on average, U.S. adults drank 44 ounces of water per day, or 5.5 cups. Since many of us are not drinking enough water, experts suggest some other ways to ensure we get the proper amount of fluids we need.  

Dieticians say even if you don’t care for drinking plain water there are plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables you can incorporate into your diet. They explain 20% of our fluids come from eating foods rather than from liquids. The vegetables with the highest water content include cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, celery, spinach and cauliflower. In terms of fruit, tomatoes are one of the best followed by watermelon, strawberry and cantaloupe.  

Despite the common belief that coffee is dehydrating, experts say it isn’t true but it is best to stick to one or two cups a day. Alcohol is dehydrating, so for every drink you consume, drink a glass of water or beverages high in electrolytes like coconut water. Broth-based soups provide good hydration and you can try a Gazpacho during the heat of the summer as it is served cold. 

Another refreshing drink is maple water. It is made from the maple sap and not boiled down like maple syrup. Other ways to enjoy water is to add lemon and lime slices, cucumbers, peppermint sprigs, pineapple slices, etc.    

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At MorningStar at West San Jose, our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/ways-to-stay-hydrated-besides-drinking-water?