Quench Your Thirst: The Importance of Staying Hydrated in Summer

Summer is here with days of endless sunshine! Between the sun, fun, and adventures, you’ll find yourself spending more time outdoors. As temperatures climb and everyone starts hitting the beaches and parks, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. In this blog, we'll explore the hidden benefits, practical tips, and compelling reasons why hydration is a vital companion on your summer journey. So, grab a cool drink, and let's dive into the refreshing world of the importance of drinking water in summer.

What Does Water Do?

Water is vital to our health. It plays a key role in many of our body’s functions and keeps us healthy and active. Without water, your kidneys would eventually cease to function and other organs in your body would also stop working. Scary, right? Aside from staying alive, there are many benefits that drinking water plays in keeping your body functioning such as:

• Regulates body temperature
• Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Lubricates joints
• Lessens burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
• Dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body

How Much Should You Drink?

Water should almost always be your go-to beverage of choice. You should choose water over sugary drinks like soda, which are high in simple sugars and calories. Every day, you lose anywhere between 8-12 cups of water through breathing, sweating, urine and bowel movements. Factors that increase your fluid needs include exercise, hot weather, high altitude, a high-fiber diet, and increased losses from caffeine and alcohol intake.

A practical way to monitor hydration is by checking the color of your urine right after you get up in the morning. Clear or lemonade-colored urine is a sign of proper hydration. Dark-colored urine, such as the color of apple juice, indicates dehydration and that your body is not getting enough water. While you should get most of your fluids by drinking water, beverages such as soups, milk, 100% fruit juice, and decaffeinated teas are an option. Fruits and vegetables also have a fair amount of water. Since it's hard to track the amount of water you get from food, it's best to try for at least eight cups of fluid daily.

Speak with your Provider

Nothing is better than enjoying the outdoors – summertime or anytime! But don’t ignore your body's critical needs and stay hydrated. Hydration varies from person to person, depending on your health. For guidelines specific to you, speak with your primary care provider and for recommendations.

About Florida Health Care Plans

Florida Health Care Plans serves our community with over 9000 local health care providers in Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, and St. Johns counties. Our Care Centers are designed with convenience and comfort in mind, whether you’re visiting your family doctor, getting an X-ray, or utilizing our cost-effective, members-only pharmacies.