Keeping Hydrated

Retired man drinking water

As the July month comes our way so will the hot and humid weather. It is extremely crucial to be safe and maintain your hydration levels. Hydration is maintaining a proper balance throughout the body. Water makes up 75% of the human body and can be extracted in many various ways. If you don’t replace the water that you have lost dehydration is likely to occur. Some warning signs to be cautious of when becoming dehydrated are dry mouth, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, and dizziness. Don’t wait until you notice the symptoms before taking action.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent dehydration. It has been recommended to consume 6-8 glasses of water a day. Drinking water alone is not the only way to achieve proper hydration. There are many different types of fruits and vegetables which have an adequate amount of water content. Watermelon has 90% water, which ranks as one of the highest, but oranges, melons, and grapefruit are also great contenders. Spinach, celery and broccoli are also good substitutes for vegetables.

Retired woman and granddaughter drinking waterTips for Staying Hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of liquids
  • Watch the heat index
  • Wear appropriate clothing
  • Have a glass of water with each meal
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks
  • Urine color should be a pale yellow

Top 20 Hydrating Foods

  1. Cucumber – 96.73% Water
  2. Iceberg Lettuce – 95.64% Water
  3. Celery – 95.43% Water
  4. Tomatoes – 94.52% Water
  5. Romaine Lettuce – 93.47% Water
  6. Zucchini – 92.73% Water
  7. Watermelon – 91.45% Water
  8. Spinach – 91.4% Water
  9. Strawberries – 90.95% Water
  10. Skim Milk – 90.84% Water
  11. Soy Milk – 90.36% Water
  12. Cantaloupe – 90.15% Water
  13. Honeydew – 89.82% Water
  14. Kale – 89.63% Water
  15. Broccoli – 89.33% Water
  16. Peaches – 88.87% Water
  17. Carrots – 88.29% Water
  18. Oranges – 86.75% Water
  19. Pineapple – 86% Water
  20. Apples – 85.56% Water