The summer heat can take a major toll on one’s body. With a majority of the body being made up of water, it is important that an individual consumes adequate amounts of it a day. One of water’s main functions is to regulate body temperature and this happens through sweating. The more you sweat the more you need to hydrate. By staying hydrated you can maintain your performance and reduce the risk of heat illnesses. In 2004, the Food and Nutrition Board released new dietary reference intakes for water which stated that women need 91 ounces and men need 125 ounces. These recommendations can increase, however, in the summer when you are sweating. Signs of moderate dehydration are a dry mouth, sleepiness, thirst, decreased urine output, dry skin, and headaches. If you experience these symptoms, you should consider sports drinks that replace the salts and electrolytes that you may lose. Stay safe this summer, and beat the heat!
