Summer Sipping: Staying Effectively Hydrated

Medical dehydration is a serious situation, and can be caused by fluid loss due to overheating, vigorous exercise, or illnesses like food poisoning or stomach flu. Minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride that our bodies need to function are lost along with fluid, and electrolyte and water replenishment is required to prevent and treat it.

Chronic low-level dehydration isn’t a medical emergency, but has a big impact on how you feel and can have long term health consequences. Most of us are probably sub-clinically dehydrated. Visit our Hydration series from last summer to calculate your hydration needs, and take the 21 Day Hydration challenge!

Hot weather, exercise, air travel and dry indoor air, salty foods, aging, hormonal changes and chronic illnesses can all increase our water and electrolyte needs. As we age, and especially over 65, our thirst signals become weaker, so we need to be extra mindful of drinking enough.

Water alone can sometimes be ineffective for rehydration. Drinking too much plain water can trigger urination, and dilute electrolytes in your system, so trying to prevent dehydration by chugging a gallon of water before a day outside or exercising is not the way to go. Here’s some hydration wisdom from the practitioners of Energy Matters. (Product links are not affiliated with Energy Matters, we just like them!)

Kari Napoli, L.Ac, our Orthopedic Acupuncture and Sports Medicine specialist, recommends athletes (professional or weekend warriors!) use a hydration solution (she likes Re-Lyte) to counteract sweat loss, with a reminder to check the drink’s sodium levels to ensure you’re not going over your daily needs, especially if you have high blood pressure or other health concerns.

Prajna Choudhury, L.Ac suggests a delicious homemade drink to her patients to enjoy in warm weather and make water more palatable and replenishing. Instead of water alone, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt and sugar. Called sharbat, in India this refreshing drink is offered to guests arriving on hot days.

Ana Fletes, CMT and Amanda Rosenberg L.Ac both enjoy these single serve powders from LMNT for hydration, which include trace minerals and are available in a variety of flavors. They have a higher salt content, and Ana likes to use half a packet for daily hydration, and the whole one when exercising.

Do you have a favorite product, recipe or technique that helps you stay hydrated? Please let us know what’s working for you!

Cheers to Hydration!
Kirsten Cowan, L.Ac, Clinic Manager

PS The 21 Days to Better Health program puts a big emphasis on hydration. Check out this article on the 21 Days Blog on Hydrating with Foods.