It's the summer of wellness and we're all ready to refresh our daily routines. Our new Lively series will highlight all things hydration to help you live a fuller, more vibrant life with every sip.
After months of bundling up and fighting the cold, gloomy and dark winter days – it's finally time to shed those layers and soak in the heat from all that sunshine! If you're anything like me, then this is the best time of the year! Sandals, sleeveless shirts and sunglasses are the items to never leave home without this summer. The same can be said for a bottle of cold water (and Vital Proteins® Hydration** + Collagen, $9.99; shop now on vitalproteins.com).
While it's heating up outside, one of the biggest things to stay mindful of over the summer months is staying hydrated. When the temperatures outside begin to rise, making sure to drink enough water is crucial whether you're exercising outside in the heat, traveling, or simply sitting in the sun. Keeping the body properly hydrated helps the heart to pump blood easily through the blood vessels and to the muscles. However, not drinking enough can lead to serious consequences, including dehydration, dizziness and muscle cramps, among other issues.
Below are some 4 simple tips for hydration during these hot and sweaty summer months.
Vital Note: This article has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Your licensed healthcare professional can best provide you with the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and assist you as well in deciding whether a dietary supplement will be a helpful addition to your regimen.
How do you hydrate effectively?
1. Drink Up
Seems obvious, but surprisingly enough, not enough people drink the recommended amount of water each day. While there is no exact rule of thumb, experts suggest consuming close to two liters of water (about 64 oz.) each day, however this depends on individual goals and other factors. This means you should be rehydrating throughout the day.
And, purchasing a reusable water bottle to bring along with you each day can help bring awareness to how much water you're consuming regularly. You can work with a healthcare professional to determine your own hydration goals. And, you'll want to be careful not to overdo it. Being too hydrated can cause a dangerous condition known a hyponatremia, which means the sodium levels in your blood are too low.
2. Add Flavor to Your Water
Never fall behind on your hydration goals! Water can get boring after a while, so opting for a little flavor boost is key. Vital Proteins® Collagen Water™ – available in Lemon Slice, Blueberry Mint, Peach White Tea, Strawberry Lemon, Blueberry Mint, Blackberry Hibiscus and Lemon Ginger – is a deliciously hydrating way to increase your water and collagen intake. Plus, each serving contains 10g of collagen and 1-3g of sugar.
Or, you can opt to add a Hydration** + Collagen stick pack (which comes in tasty Lemon Lime and Tropical Blast flavors) to your water.
3. Keep Eating Fruits & Veggies
Consuming water-rich foods and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, grapefruit, cucumbers and celery can help aid in hydration. Pack some of these colorful fruits and vegetables for lunch, the beach, pool outings or just as an at-home snack.
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4. Supplement with Electrolytes
During the heated months of summer, not only is it important to hydrate with enough water for your body, but it's also important to consume electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals in the body that are responsible for regulating nerve and muscle function. They also play a key role in maintaining your body's fluid levels in order to avoid serious health issues, like brain fog and muscle cramps.**