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5 Tips for Preventing Dehydration

We lose bodily fluids throughout the day. Most of the time, that’s not a concern. But when we lose more bodily fluids than we’re taking in, that’s dehydration.

Read on for 5 top tips for preventing dehydration. 

1. Know How Much Water You Need

Forget the 8-glasses of day rule. to avoid dehydration, you need to drink water based on your weight and activity level.

Find out how much water you need for your body and drink accordingly. 

2. Sip Regularly

Feeling thirsty is a sign that you are dehydrated. So don’t wait until you are very thirsty to drink water.

It’s easy to get caught up in our day that we forget to drink. So make sure to keep a full water bottle with you wherever you go.

If you struggle to drink enough water, set a timer or alerts on your device. Or make a goal to drink a certain amount before lunch and the rest before dinner.

Avoid needing IV fluid hydration for dehydration by getting in the habit of sipping water throughout the day. 

3. Eat Hydrating Foods Every Day

One of the best ways to prevent dehydration is by filling up on produce that has a high water content. 

For example, grapes, berries, melons, and lettuce are hydrating foods. Reach for these throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.

4. Say No to Non-Water Drinks

All liquids aren’t equal. Soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol are diuretic drinks. These cause the symptoms of dehydration even though they might quench your thirst.

Avoid or limit drinking these for dehydration prevention.

5. Hydrate More During Exercise 

When you exercise, you sweat and lose some of your body’s liquids. The more you sweat, the more water you lose.

And since our bodies are mainly made up of water, it’s important to replenish it.

Whether you go to the gym once a week or do strenuous activities every day, you need to avoid dehydration to stay safe.

Try to drink at least one cup of water several hours before you exercise. Then drink half a cup (or more) while you workout.

Have a good long drink of water at the end of your sweat sesh, too!

If you work out for longer than an hour or if it is very hot outside during a run, add some electrolytes. Low-carb sports drinks are a good option if you know you’ll be sweating buckets.

Just watch out for sports drinks that have a lot of calories or sugar.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Dehydration

There you have it! 5 easy tips for preventing dehydration.

If you aren’t used to drinking water regularly, build up slowly until you reach the number of cups you need for your body.

If you are feeling dizzy, confused, sleepy, have a dry mouth and low urine output, you may be suffering from dehydration.

Coastal Urgent Care operates several clinics across Louisiana, each offering the same high standard of care while catering to the unique needs of their communities. We deliver efficient, compassionate, and personalized care to every patient who walks through our doors. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals provides timely treatment and ensures that you receive the attention you deserve.

If you’re searching for “urgent care near me” in Louisiana, look no further than Coastal Urgent Care. Our urgent care centers are here to provide you with the care you need, where and when you need it most. Visit one of our urgent care clinics in Baton RougeBossierGonzalesRuston, or Slidell.