Summer heat is dangerous not only due to overheating of the body. This one, defending itself against too high a temperature, activates the mechanism of sweating, which results in the secretion of large amounts of sweat. This is a simple way to dehydration, which is a dangerous condition for health. How to protect yourself from dehydration? How to hydrate the body in a healthy way? What herbs to drink to provide the body with healthy fluids? We suggest.
Simply put, dehydration results from too much „escape” of fluids from the body in relation to its supply. In a word: we drink too little and sweat too much. Importantly, electrolytes, i.e. ions of elements important for the proper functioning of the body, also escape from the body with sweat. To counteract this, it is important to ensure proper hydration. However, remember that water alone is not enough, the body still needs essential minerals and electrolytes.
What are the risks of dehydration? Symptoms of fluid loss
The body is very sensitive to a decrease in hydration. Water deficiency quickly makes its presence known. Symptoms of dehydration are primarily: persistent headaches, digestive problems, decreased concentration, memory problems, sometimes cardiovascular ailments. Even slight dehydration (at a level of 2-3%) is clearly noticeable, including a decrease in physical performance. What’s more, the body, defending itself against water loss, reduces urine excretion, resulting in a weakening of the detoxification process and a decrease in the amount of toxins removed from the body. And this is a simple way to poisoning the body.
How much should I drink daily during hot weather?
An adult should drink about 2-2.5 liters of healthy fluids a day. In hot weather, this volume increases, even by 1-1.5 liters. Unfortunately, according to expert estimates, it appears that we drink too little, even in summer. Often times we reach for drinks only when we feel a strong thirst. And this is a mistake. Thirst is a signal that there has already been a decrease in water in the body and this is a certain degree of dehydration. It is necessary to drink even when we do not feel thirsty and constantly replenish fluids. Importantly, it is a good idea to keep your body properly hydrated throughout the day, sipping fluids in small portions. Drinking a large volume at once (which usually happens when you feel thirsty) doesn’t do your body much good, instead it puts unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system.
What to drink during hot weather?
Above all, let’s reach for healthy liquids. But what does that really mean? It’s primarily non-carbonated mineral water, but also freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas. If water, then sipped in small sips throughout the day, preferably medium-mineralized mineral water with low sodium content. Add dietary supplements to water, such as: leaves of fresh mint or parsley, a slice of lime or lemon, ice cubes with fruit frozen inside. Certainly, you should give up carbonated water (not to mention sweet carbonated drinks), because the carbon dioxide bubbles in it cause a feeling of satiety, in addition, they can fill the intestines with gas and cause bloating.
In addition to water, you should also reach for freshly squeezed juices of fruits and vegetables. This is an important item on the list of healthy hydration liquids, because fruit and vegetable juices not only quench thirst and healthily hydrate the body, but also provide a large portion of vitamins and minerals.
Also check: herbs for brewing
Herbal teas to drink in hot weather
Herbal infusions combine the most important features of the best drink for hot weather: they hydrate and provide vitamins and minerals. It is worth reaching not only for herbal teas, but also for green tea and fruit infusions. Their health-promoting properties (such as improving digestion) stimulate the proper functioning of the body, provide a portion of healthy fluids and even cleanse it of toxins.
A great solution for hot weather is chilled herbal drinks. Why? Because oral rehydration fluids are the fastest to be absorbed by the body, and on top of that, they slightly lower the body temperature when they themselves are around 5-10 degrees Celsius.
What herbs for hot weather?
Mint and lemon balm – mint tea tastes best chilled, with ice and lime slices. It improves digestion (great as an accompaniment to barbecue), in addition, it has a slightly calming effect.
Chamomile and fennel – like mint, it soothes digestive discomfort and is great for hydrating the body.
Herbal cooling lemonade – recipe
Ingredients: half a tablespoon of dried lemon balm (1 brewing bag), 1-1.5 tablespoons of dried mint (2-3 brewing bags), honey to taste, 2-3 lemons.
Method of preparation: In a large pitcher (2-3 liters) brew herbs, wait until they cool, squeeze in 1-2 lemons, slice one and add that too. Sweeten with honey as desired. Put in the refrigerator to let the herbal lemonade cool well. Serve with ice cubes.
Enjoy 🙂
