Hydration 101: Discover the Secrets to Optimal Hydration and Unleash Your Summer Glow-Up!

By Reagan Kelly

Did you know that a whopping 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration? As the summer heat intensifies, it’s time to revolutionize our hydration game. With our bodies consisting of 70% water, it’s crystal clear that staying hydrated is the key to unlocking peak health and wellness. To help, we’ve consulted leading experts and compiled an indispensable guide to keep you hydrated and glowing throughout the summer season.

Why Hydration Is Your Superpower

Hydration works wonders on just about every aspect of our bodies. “The things we often take for granted that tend to happen automatically – cognitive function, digestion, metabolism – rely on an adequate volume of fluids to receive the necessary cellular nutrients, ” explains Desiree Hannon, owner of Pure Hydration IV Infusion Therapy. Staying hydrated helps to protect tissues and joints, maintain blood pressure, provide a plumper complexion, and flush out waste from the body, among many other benefits. Not only does it promote healthier bodily functioning, it can be treated as a medicine of sorts. “Many common ailments can be remedied with hydration,” notes Jesslyn Rollins, CEO of BIOLYTE, “from nausea and migraines, to body aches and symptoms of the cold or flu.”

But just how much water is needed? Your entire life, you’ve probably been told that 64 fluid ounces (8 cups) is the recommended amount of daily water intake. But after more recent findings, The National Academy of Medicine now
encourages most people to consume 104 ounces of water, or around four or so 24-ounce bottles per day.

Decode Your Hydration Level Like a Pro

If you’re determined to keep your body hydrated round the clock, it’s vital to know when your thirst needs quenching. Look out for signs of adequate hydration like clear urine, bouncy skin and a lack of thirst. Conversely, dietitian nutritionist, Cheryl Orlansky, who specializes in guiding clients toward healthy lifestyles, shares that some indicators of dehydration are darker-colored urine, dry mouth and skin, decreased cognitive functioning, headaches, fatigue, muscle
cramping, and low sweating when exercising.

“Dehydration can also increase risks for kidney stones, low blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and constipation…so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and ensure that you reach a hydrated state prior to exercise,” Orlansky says.

Unleash the Power of Rehydration Drinks

When you need to pump your hydration up to the next level, there’s a whole suite of rehydration drinks and supplements
here to help. By now, you’ve probably heard of a little thing called rehydration drinks, such as Liquid I.V., Pedialyte, Propel, and Atlanta’s BIOLYTE, among a long list of others. They come in different forms, like single-use drinks or hydration multiplier packets that you can throw into any drink of choice.

“When it comes to achieving and maintaining hydration, water and electrolytes are a dynamic duo,” Rollins notes. But be cautious of excessive sugar content when choosing your electrolyte beverage.

“While some sugar is necessary to facilitate electrolyte absorption, it’s important to strike the right balance.” Rollins prides herself on BIOLYTE’s refined mixture that packs as many electrolytes as an IV bag without all the sugars. In fact,
you’d need to guzzle down nearly seven sports drinks to match the hydrating power of a single bottle of BIOLYTE.

When to Consider IV Therapy

When all else fails, IV therapy swoops in as the ultimate hydration superhero. By delivering essential vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream via the intravenous method, it ensures unparalleled efficiency in replenishing fluids. “This amazing service has changed the way we think about our wellness,” explains Hannon. “If you’re struggling with dangerous levels of dehydration or vomiting, keeping foods and fluids from staying down, IV therapy is the way to go.”

Beyond combating dehydration, IV therapy has become a popular remedy for hangovers, digestive issues, migraines and
viral illnesses. “The best way to consume nutrients is naturally and regularly, but if this is a hurdle for you at a certain stage in your life, consider starting with one IV infusion treatment a week and taper down from there.” However, Hannon does not recommend more than once a week, as you risk problems with fluid retention.

5 Tips to Up Your Hydration Game

Power Up with Water-Rich Foods: Hydration doesn’t have to be limited to sipping water. Load up on refreshing foods like lettuce, celery, watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon and zucchini.

Get Creative with Flavor: Water doesn’t have to be boring! Orlansky recommends enhancing the taste with natural flavor boosters like fruit slices or mint leaves. If you crave a bubbly twist, try carbonated flavored waters.

Set a Goal: Stay on track by setting realistic and measurable hydration goals. Aim to drink at least one glass of water every hour while working or opt for a bottle with markings or measurements to track your water intake progress.

Carry a Water Bottle Everywhere: Having water readily available makes it easier to sip throughout the day and serves as a visual reminder to hydrate.

Set Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or use apps specifically designed to remind you to drink water at regular intervals throughout the day.