Living in the Pacific Northwest, I am not used to a consistent day to day heat. We usually get one hot day, then a cool day, then hot, then cool. We have had a steady stream of dry hot weather now for approximately a month. Part way into this heat wave, I started to feel lethargic and sleepy and realized that I wasn’t drinking enough water to support my body under these conditions.
With the warm weather we tend to sweat more often and our bodies work harder to keep us cool. If we don’t get enough water, our body tends to go into “draught & conservation” mode. Our organs start to compete for what fluids we do have. The brain is a very demanding organ and takes priority, our other organs take back seat. This can be hard on the kidney’s, heart and lungs because it causes distress.
A good tip to remember, if you are thirsty – you are already dehydrated. Try to sip water throughout the day to avoid this. If you are feeling tired and lethargic, drink up! Drink WATER! Stay away from sugary sodas and caffeine loaded beverages as these are not what the body needs. Caffeine actually depletes the body of water and the influx of sugar causes blood sugar levels to rise and fall, giving you a “sugar high” followed by a “crash.”
Keep a water bottle with you that you can continually fill so that you have access to water at all times. Your body will thank you! I promise!
Cheers!
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