Water Benefits Health News -- Body Hydration and Heat Stroke Prevention

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Water Benefits Health News -- Body Hydration and Heat Stroke Prevention
July 12, 2016

Water Benefits Health News, Issue #41

July 12, 2016

Hello,,

I hope you are enjoying your summer!

I live in Phoenix, Arizona, and am reminded on a daily basis that many people suffer from heat-related illnesses, especially during the summer.

In fact, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common occurrences during the summer months and in warmer climates year round. However, with proper hydration and precautions, heat-related conditions are preventable!

Under normal circumstances, our bodies generate internal heat and we keep ourselves cool primarily through sweating.

However, when we are physically active in the sun with high heat or humidity for intense or prolonged periods of time, our bodies’ cooling system can start to shut down.

Dehydration is a major cause of the inability of the body to produce enough sweat, and most people are chronically dehydrated.

Thus, when we are already dehydrated and then are physically active in the hot sun or high humidity, our risk for heat-related illness increases significantly.

Dehydration occurs when we experience abnormal depletion of body fluids and/or a lack of water intake. In addition, water loss is always accompanied by a loss of electrolytes (electrically charged minerals).

Replenishing both water and electrolytes is equally important for proper hydration, especially if you are physically active during the summer or warmer climates.

Thus, our feature article this issue is about 5 Healthy Choices of Hydration Beverages, and I encourage you to read more about how much water to drink and when to replenish electrolytes.

To your health and wellness,

Nancy Hearn, CNC

P.S. As always, if you have a serious health condition, you should always check with your doctor before making dietary changes or starting a body detoxification program.

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Hydration Beverages – 5 Healthy Choices

Many new hydration beverages are on the market, and it can be confusing to know which are healthy and if they are even needed.

Dehydration happens when the amount of fluids that leave the body is greater than what is being taken in. On a daily basis, the average adult loses about 2 to 2.5 liters of water primarily through breathing, perspiring and urinating.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can replenish about 20 percent of total fluid intake, but most healthy adults still need to consume about 2 liters of water to stay hydrated.

In addition, lost body fluids contain electrolytes (i.e., electrically charged minerals) in varying concentrations. Thus, both water and electrolytes are critical for proper hydration.

The following are a few healthy hydration beverages that can help replenish not only water and fluids, but also electrolytes, mineral salts, and vitamins.