Remember: Staying hydrated

THE searing heat of the summer months is already upon us, and though the season doesn’t officially start until June 20, it is important to be prepared by staying hydrated.

The human body is almost two-thirds water, therefore our cells require adequate fluid intake to keep us hydrated and healthy. The current heat will cause more water loss through sweating, so we must know the signs of dehydration and over-hydration in order to remain healthy.

Signs of dehydration include tiredness, headache, lack of energy, muscle cramps, food cravings, especially for sugary foods, and excessive thirst.

To combat this, apart from consuming the average eight to 10 glasses of water each day, fluids can also be derived from other liquids we ingest such as fresh fruit juice, milk or tea, as well as from vegetables and fruits.

Having a balanced diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables, choosing low-calorie options to prevent excess calories, not ingesting too much fluid, and paying attention to the colour of your urine, are good indicators of your hydration status.

Remember, prevention is better than cure, so get your adequate fluid intake and stay hydrated during this sweltering heat.