Stay Hydrated …and Keep Smiling


Ann Clark RDH

     For a lot of people, summer fun means time in the sun and chilling in the pool.  While cool water might feel good on the outside, it won’t lower your core body temperature.  To do that, and avoid dehydration, you need to get enough water and other fluids inside your body.
     Did you know that if you are thirsty or feel worn down, you are already dehydrated?  Other symptoms include light-headedness, headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, or dry mouth.  Diet beverages although thought to make you hungrier and dehydrate you, actually do hydrate you and bonus…make you less hungry says a recent clinical trial published in the June issue of “Obesity”.  Also consuming fruits and vegetables higher in water content can also aide in proper hydration (watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes etc).  Staying hydrated can also reduce the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, hypertension, exercise asthma and hyperglycemia.   Not only is a dry mouth uncomfortable while wearing a sport’s mouthguard, for example, but changes in your saliva’s composition can diminish it’s natural ability to buffer against decay-causing bacteria.
     So keep our summer smile happening!  Drink plenty of fluids-especially water-before, during, and after your fun in the sun!
Information from the American Beverage Association 7/24/14
Referenced-  “3 Tips to Staying Hydrated This Summer”
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