“It’s so hot” seems to be the mantra on everyone’s lips as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels in all parts of the country. As the heat picks up, so do your body’s hydration needs. Staying hydrated is crucial during the scorching Indian summers, as we tend to lose a lot of body fluids. But reaching your water goals need not be a dreaded chore to tick off your to-do list. In this blog, we discuss the importance of hydration and some easy-to-follow tips to stay hydrated consistently. We will also explore some refreshing drinks that are not only tasty but will also hydrate you adequately and keep you active and energized all summer.
Why is hydration so important?
Hydration is vital for your overall well-being in more ways than you can imagine. From keeping your various internal organs functioning optimally to keeping you mentally alert and energized, water is indeed a wonder drink.
- Increased mental performance levels: Even mild dehydration, of as little as two percent loss of body fluids, can make you feel sluggish, irritable, and less focused. The infamous afternoon slump that most of us face can be improved by adding more glasses of water.
- Proper digestion: Water is an element that helps to break down the soluble fiber in your diet and helps your digestion process to run smoothly. Inadequate hydration may cause bloating, improper bowel movements, etc.
- Reduced circulation: Less water levels can also slow your circulation and affect how oxygen is supplied to your brain. Your heart must work harder to increase oxygen pumping, and all this energy expended can make you feel sluggish throughout the day.
- Joint lubrication and temperature control: The benefits of staying hydrated extend to all body parts. Water helps to lubricate joints and regulate body temperature, which is crucial for well-being, especially in summer. Dehydration causes your body to store more heat, and your tolerance for high temperatures decreases. Adequate water promotes sweating, which in turn cools your body. So, hydration is important to prevent heat strokes and other heat-related conditions that can be fatal.
Smart and easy tips to stay hydrated
Hydration in summer is the key to getting through the scorching days with a healthy mind and body. The idea is to stay hydrated throughout the day, not in bits and spurts. This is imperative to ward off headaches and fatigue, which plague most of us during the hot summer months. Here are some easy tips for staying hydrated.
- Keep an alarm as a reminder, or use one of those fancy water-tracking apps to help you stick to your hydration goals. Drink water even if you are not thirsty, as by the time thirst hits, you may already be mildly dehydrated.
- To supplement your water intake, eat a lot of water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and cucumber. Snack on fruits and include salads in your meals. These help you stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
- Drink a tall glass of water as soon as you wake up. After a full night’s sleep, your body is most probably dehydrated, and by hydrating it first thing in the morning, you allow it to function optimally all day long
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: They act as diuretics, which cause more water loss in your body and lead to dehydration. So, try to limit your intake this summer.
- Ensure that you always carry a reusable water bottle with you to stay consistently hydrated throughout the day.
Some tasty and invigorating drinks for the summer
- Coconut water: This refreshing drink is nature’s gift and is a perfect drink to ward off feelings of fatigue and dehydration. Known as nature’s electrolyte, this hydrating elixir is packed with potassium, magnesium, and other essential minerals, which help to stave off dehydration and prevent fluid loss. The availability of packaged coconut water makes it even easier to sip on this hydrating powerhouse.
- Sattu: Originating from Bihar, this humble drink has gained a lot of well-deserved popularity recently due to its varied benefits. Sattu, which is only roasted chickpea flour, can be mixed with water, sugar, and a dash of salt to give you a natural energy drink. Rich in proteins, fiber, and other essential nutrients, this drink will not only refresh and energize you but can also contribute to your daily protein needs.
- Lime juice: The summer staple of most childhood memories, nimbu pani or lemonade is a refreshing drink with lime juice, water, sugar, and salt. It is loaded with vitamin C and electrolytes, and it will not only instantly refresh you but also help in replacing lost fluids. Try variants by using lime juice as the base and jazz it up with flavorings like mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, or a fruity twist with some cut strawberries for a different and exciting flavor.
- Aam panna: This beloved summer drink is made with seasonal raw mangoes and water, with hints of roasted cumin and mint. With its tangy and refreshing flavors, it is rich in vitamin C and electrolytes. It also aids in digestion and helps build up immunity. So, whip up a batch of Aam panna and dilute it with chilled water for an instant and refreshing summer drink.
- Jaljeera: This rustic refreshing drink is unusually made with cumin, mint, black salt tamarind and served chilled. It is an excellent summer drink that not only cools your body but also aids digestion.
Conclusion
Summer in India can be brutal, leaving you fatigued and dehydrated. By following these smart tips to stay consistently hydrated and whipping up some of these refreshing drinks, you can stay cool as a cucumber. You will not only be able to withstand the relentless heat but go about your day feeling energized and fresh.
In your efforts to stay hydrated, it is also important to ensure you consume safe drinking water. This is why having a good RO water purifier like DrinkPrime RO+UV water purifier works wonders!
With DrinkPrime, you can access advanced filtration technology without breaking the bank! So, consider investing in the best water purifier for home and enjoy a healthy and stress-free summer.
