Long Weekend Tips for Staying Hydrated

A long weekend, and particularly the first one of the summer, is often the first chance many people have had to come out of the cold and into the warmth of the summer sun.

Every year people overdo on activities and end up feeling terrible after the weekend is over. Too much strenuous exercise, whether it is on the golf course, running, hiking or spending hours in the garden, can cause us to become dehydrated without even realizing we are thirsty.

Thirst is never a good indicator of your body's need for water. The conventional wisdom is to drink 8 ounces of water a day - more if you are a larger than average person or are physically active.

Plus, if you consume any alcohol the liver needs another 8 ounces of water to remove every one ounce of alcohol from your body.

If you're planning on being active this weekend here are some tips to keep in mind to be sure you have enough water for your body to funtion properly:

Drink before you feel thirsty. Keep sipping water constantly throughout the day.

Watch for signs of dehydration, including fatigue, headache, nausea, and light-headedness.

Drink approximately two cups of water in the two hours before exercising, then drink an additional 1/2–3/4 cups for every 15 minutes of activity.

Water is the best fluid for staying hydrated during exercise sessions of less than one hour. For longer sessions, carbohydrate solutions can be helpful.

Have a great long weekend

Linda
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