If you live in the Northeastern United States, as many of us do, the heat, along with the humidity, can be overpowering. Make sure you are fully hydrated if you venture outdoors. Hydration isn't just important during physical activity. Sunbathing, hiking or walking can cause your body to need extra fluids, according to John Batson, a sports medicine physician in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
One of the easiest ways to monitor your fluid intake is to pay attention to the color of your urine. Pale and clear means you’re well hydrated. If it’s dark, drink more fluids.
Water is the best drink to stay hydrated, the American Heart Association says.
Fruits and vegetables also contain a high percentage of water. Watermelon is the best -- it's 90 percent water, according to WebMD. Other sources include oranges, grapefruits, melons, cucumbers and raw tomatoes. Other choices include milk, sports drinks, soda, juices, yogurt, smoothies and soups.
Use coffee and tea in moderation. They are diuretics that flush fluid from the body. Luckily the water in them partially makes up for that effect, according to the Mayo Clinic. Drinking five cups of coffee per day puts you at risk.
Stay away from alcohol. It dehydrates the body, says WebMD.
Signs of dehydration include headache, sluggishness, decreased urine or sweat output. If left untreated with fluids, the situation can become severe and require immediate medical attention. Complications include swelling of the brain, seizures, kidney failure and even death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If you're thirsty, that means you're starting to dehydrate, says Timothy Noakes, professor of exercise and sports science at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and the book Waterlogged.
On the other hand, don't overhydrate. Excessive fluid can dilute sodium in the body, causing nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion and fatigue, the Mayo Clinic says. As with most things in life, everything in moderation.
Now for the naked men who are following the advice medical experts provide.
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