IT’S HEATING UP

The feeling of thirst is the last reflex to let you know that your body needs water. That’s why it is important to drink water throughout the day, and not to wait until you feel thirsty.

There is no substitute for pure water. Drinking beverages that contain water is not the same.

It is recommended that a non-active individual drink a half ounce per pound of body weight per day. This amount should increase if you are physically active.

Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. If you aren’t careful your body temperature can rise dangerously because cooling mechanisms such as sweating don’t work very efficiently in very hot, humid conditions. Even if you have sweat pouring from your skin, you may not be getting much benefit from it. The result can be heat cramps, exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Your body will give you plenty of warning, though, before you get to the heat stroke stage. Just make sure you listen to what it’s telling you!

Adults should consume about 2.5 liters of fluid a day, and even more in the hot summer months. Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Gil Suarez
Posted: 5/23/05