It’s June in Georgia, which means only one thing. The temperatures are only getting warmer by the day. 🥵 And the humidity in Georgia isn’t doing anyone any favors. Although, my 4 year old doesn’t seem to be bothered by it in the least bit!

So let’s talk about hydration and why we need to stay well hydrated, no matter the temperature outside. First and foremost, we consist 2/3s of water, especially our brain, muscle, bones, and blood. Plus a lot of our bodily functions are dependent on the water intake: body temperature, digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption, detoxification, joint & organ protection, blood pressure, muscle lubrication, skin elasticity, and overall hydration.

So the question is always: “How much water should you be drinking?”

Half of your body weight in ounces.

Example: If you weigh 160 pounds, then you should be drinking at least 80 ounces of water; that equals to 8 10-ounce glasses of water.

Add more water if you drink coffee, tea, or soda, because all of those are diuretic and actually pull water out of your body, so it needs to be replenished.

You can also add hydrating foods to your diet for more satiety and increased hydration.

• Cucumber, celery, carrots, tomatoes

• Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple, apples, citrus (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

• Lettuce, cabbage, spinach

• Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.

• Coconut water - also great to replenish electrolytes lost when sweating, i.e. exercise, manual labor, childbirth, etc.

Have you ever tried adding fruit or herbs into your water for a taste? Or are you more of a purist?

Share what your favorite ways to stay hydrated are. Let’s chat more about it on our social channels or in the comments below.