So we could be drinking plenty of water, but other factors could still lead us to dehydration? According to a recent article from Michelle Basch of WTOP, dehydration may be more prevalent than we think. That’s the thing about dehydration; usually you recognize symptoms after it is too late. Dehydration typically starts before you’re actually thirsty and can take quite the toll on your body and your overall mental performance. But what you drink is equally important and water filtration seems to be more important than ever. Bottled water is expensive and wasteful – you can have the same clean and safe water right from your tap and that makes staying hydrated easy and simple.
Keeping hydrated during the summer is essential to your health, but even when you drink a lot of water, other factors could work against you and still lead to dehydration. They include the following:
- Stress – When you’re under a lot of stress work, finances, school or family, the adrenal glands that pump out stress hormones become exhausted, causing dehydration and low electrolyte levels. Sure, it is good to keep drinking water, but eliminating stress is the best solution.
- Diet- What you eat will actually help with water intake. A balanced diet of fruits and vegetables can add up to a cup of water alone each day! Carbs such as oatmeal, whole grain pasta and brown rice soak up water during the cooking process, which can increase hydration levels.
- Dietary supplements – These can have you going to the bathroom more often, leading to a greater loss of fluids.
- Prescription medications – These can cause dehydration, a side effect of some medications. Many medications act as diuretics, which increase urine output and a risk of dehydration.
- Increased physical activity – any workout, especially in the heat, can lead to dehydration when not properly addressed. If you are sweating more than you are drinking, you are at risk of dehydration. As stated in the article, health.com says to weigh yourself before and after exercise and for every pound lost, drink 16 to 20 ounces of water.
Monitor your thirst and these factors and be sure to get plenty of water this summer. Usually when we are thirsty, dehydration has already begun. The water you choose is very important. Bottled water leads to plastic waste and is much less economical than filtered drinking water. Our drinking water systems use the most advanced drinking water technology, providing you with safe drinking water no matter your household demand. Contact us today to learn more about which of our eco-friendly and efficient water filters could support your hydration and healthy lifestyle.
