It has been a very hot July thus far here in the Pioneer Vally. That means that I have been increasingly ending my phone conversations with clients by saying, "Don't forget to drink some water today!" Hydration folks! Lets have a quick chat about water and all the glorious ways it takes care of our working bodies.
Water, water everywhere
Every cell in your body needs water to function and keep everything working properly and efficiently. From your muscle fibers to your brain to your bones, water plays many roles in the body. Water keeps your muscles and joints lubricated so that they can work without friction. Friction can lead to knots and tearing in both structures. Water helps the brain to function, keeping you focused and on task. Water gets rid of the waste that your muscles produce when you work; as a result, you are less likely to feel sore later. Water even helps to regulate body temperature, one reason hydration is so important on hot, hot days. Every part of your body needs and uses water at all times. This also means your are losing water all the time, even breathing causes you to lose water! So, now we get to the all-important question, "How much water should I be drinking?'
Its all about remembering
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| My spigot mug |
Water with meals. Your body is great at reminding you to eat; make this a double reminder and you will be getting water at least 3 times a day.
Before you pee. If you gotta go, glug down some water first!
Water bottles or mugs at your spigots. Most farmers I know have to visit the water spigot a few times
a day. Recently a client of mine told me he ties a plastic water bottle to the spigot so when he is filling up a bucket he remembers to drink some water. I have been leaving an old coffee mug near ours!
Make it tasty! If you can't seem to get pumped about plain old water, add a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber.
So, what if your day is long and frenzied and you haven't had a drop?
Egads! I do believe I am dehydrated!
Here are some symptoms of dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Dry, sticky mouth
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Thirst
- Decreased urine output
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Electro-whats?
Now that you have some ideas about staying good and hydrated lets talk for a sec about electrolytes. Basically, these are minerals(salts) that help to keep everything balanced on a cellular level. Electrolytes keep the right amount of fluid inside and outside cells and conduct the electrical pulses between them. When you have enough electrolytes in your body, it is easier to stay hydrated and you are less likely to suffer from cramps and heat stroke. You lose them when you sweat, so it is extra important to stay on top of on hot days. I'm not a huge fan of sports drinks since they have a ton of sugar and other garbage so, here is a recipe for what we called "Whomp" at my first farm job. It is simple and will provide your body with a great source of electrolytes.
In a gallon of water stir:
2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar + 2 tbsp Maple Syrup+ 2 tsp Baking Soda+ 2 tsp Sea Salt
(you can mess with this to your liking or look up other homemade mixes, there are tons out there!)
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| WHOMP! |
Ok, I feel better about all you out there sweating and working in the hot sun. I will most likely keep telling folks to drink water whenever I can and maybe even direct them to this post. As always feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas about posts you would like to read. All the best and happy hydrating!!
~Lydia
