The amount of water in an adult person's body is about 57%, on average. Water is necessary for proper functioning of body cells, regulation of body temperature, removal of waste and several other vital body functions. Severe dehydration can lead to serious complications such as kidney and urinary problems or heat-related illnesses, even life-threatening heatstroke, to name a few. Therefore, it is essential to keep the body hydrated during the hot summer months.
1. Drink enough water: The most common advice given is to drink eight glasses of water a day. However, a person's recommended water intake actually depends on their age, daily activities, outside temperature and other factors, so more than eight glasses may be needed. If you don't like plain water, add a lemon slice or a mint leaf and enjoy the taste of summer.
2. Enjoy a cup of hot tea: It may sound strange, but hot drinks can help our body sweat more, leading to better evaporation, which ultimately gives the body a cooling sensation. This means that hot tea can help you maintain your optimal body temperature during summer.
3. Add ice cubes to the list of things to take with you: When you go on the road, the drinks you take with you can heat up too quickly. Before you leave the house, add a few ice cubes to your favorite summer drink to keep it cooler for longer. Or, you can even put the entire bottle in the freezer for half an hour.
4. Enrich your summer diet with fruits and vegetables: Choose foods with a high water content. Enjoy a huge slice of watermelon, freshly squeezed juice or a delicious cucumber and tomato salad. Top alternatives are: strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, celery, peppers, and spinach.
5. Exercise early in the morning or late at night: Running on a hot summer day is out of the question. Sit in the shade with a good book or with your loved ones, preferably. Leave exercise for the cooler hours of the day. You will see that the sun rising in the morning or the breeze blowing in the evening can add more charm to your sporting activities."
