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You can bet we haven’t seen the worst of the summer’s heat! While you may have been following general guidelines for staying safe in high temperatures, like staying in air conditioning, wearing loose, light colored clothing, and not going outside in the hottest parts of the day, there is another important thing you should do.
Your body needs sufficient water to function properly. Lack of water can affect how well your organs, especially your kidneys and your brain, work. Some medications will not work as designed if you are dehydrated, and not getting enough water is especially dangerous for people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Drinking enough water is the best way to stay hydrated, but it can be pretty boring. Sugary and caffeinated drinks like soda, sweet tea and iced coffee can actually cause you to become even more dehydrated. So how do you manage to get enough water? Eat it!
Browse the produce section, the farmers’ markets and your garden for these foods. They all are at least 80% water, and have other health benefits as well.
Watermelon has lots of vitamins and antioxidants; freeze watermelon cubes for a healthy frozen pop.
Cucumbers are packed with potassium, and are a refreshing addition to a sandwich.
Carrots really are good for your eyes! Try dipping them in hummus or guacamole for a snack.
Tomatoes are ripening, and are brimming with vitamins and lycopene. Sweet cherry tomatoes are a great pop-in-your-mouth treat.
Strawberries, rich in vitamin C, are nature’s candy. Flavor that boring water with some strawberry slices.
Other hydrating fruits and vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, radishes, zucchini, peaches, iceberg lettuce, celery, eggplant, and pineapple. Try them dipped or stirred into plain yogurt, which is almost 90% water.
Getting enough water while enjoying all the produce of the season – that’s a win-win situation!
Editor’s note: Jeri Schaff is the director of Valley Program for Aging Services.
