Dehydration is a killer of houseplants, skin cells, and summer fun. It can sneak up on you when the days become sunnier, longer, and hotter. With increased time outside and summer activity at an all time high, this is an equation for dehydration and even more seriously, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. We want all our fellow Michiganders to stay safe this summer, so quickly brush up on how and why water intake is so important.

How Much Should You Drink

This will vary person to person but according to The Mayo Clinic, the average male adult needs 15.5 cups or 3.7 L or 125 fluid ounces and the average female needs 11.5 cups or 2.7 L or 91 oz. Whew, that's a lot of math. A recent Center For Disease Control study found that 43% of American adults drink less than 4 cups of water a day, SHOCKING! That means most of us have some catching up to do. To break it down easier, a gallon jug has 128 ounces, almost perfect to the needs of the average male. This can be used as a good reminder to get your fluids in.

What To Drink

Close to 100 ounces of plain water might be too much for some people to fathom, so consider alternatives to just the plain jane version of your daily drink. 

-Skim Milk. Sounds odd but this beverage does an excellent job of hydrating your body, quickly. The small amount of fat, sugar, and protein will help your body absorb more nutrients and retain moisture.

-EAT your water. Chowing down on snacks that have high water content is an easy way to stay hydrated. Think watermelon, celery, cucumber, and strawberries. These snacks are healthy and loaded with vitamins and can help you get your daily allotment in. 

-Coconut Water. This one has water in the title so you know it's good. Coconut water is actually able to hydrate you better than regular water. Definitely pricer, but also tastier this is a go-to drink of many yoga practitioners. 

-Hydration Multiplier. Wow are we in the future, because this drink sure feels like it. Similar to powdered electrolytes, you can throw this into a glass of water and it will magically hydrate your body like THREE glasses instead. With great flavors to choose from, this is an easy win with children and adults alike. 

When To Drink

Some days we can start with the best intentions and then life happens and you are 80 ounces behind right before bed. Adapting to habitual water consumption is going to be your best friend during the hotter summer months.

-As soon as you wake up. This will kickstart your organs and digestive system.

-Before every meal. Drinking near mealtimes will help regulate your hunger, often when you feel extremely hungry, part of that is dehydration.

-Before and after exercise. As soon as we begin to sweat, we are losing precious hydration. This means and kind of outdoor gardening, walking, and even swimming. Just because you don’t feel yourself sweating in this situation, doesn’t mean you are not losing water content. 

Dangerous Signs To Be Aware of

Dehydration-dry mouth, infrequent urination, dizziness and confusion. 

Heat Exhaustion- Cold, pale and clammy skin, even while in hot conditions. Nausea or vomiting and even the cramps. Move into a shady, cool location, sip water, and even take a cool bath or shower.

Heat Stroke- Confusion, body temperature over 103 degrees, dizziness, headache and a quickened pulse rate. Be sure to call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms. 

Be safe in the sun this summer. Remembering to drink your liquids is the first step in fighting the dreaded dehydration factor in this heat. Continue to check back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for helpful lifestyle tips!