We see it first hand out at motorcycle events and car shows, it’s a very hot humid day and people are walking around drinking soda’s or beer. This is not a great idea and here is why….

During hot and humid days, we lose excessive amounts of water from our bodies through perspiration. It’s very easy to quickly become dehydrated,  especially if you are involved in outdoor physical activities.

This is why it is so important to stay hydrated. The best thing you can drink is water. Water is essential for the well-being of the body. Under optimal conditions, the body can survive for 60 days without food, but only 10-18 days without water. You skin is made up of about 70% water, so any loss of body water equaling 2-3% of our body weight will begin to affect performance adversely. Loss of 4-5% of body weight results in reduced carrying capacity of the blood for nutrients, as well as reduced ability to remove heat from the body.

When out walking around or doing physical activity you might want to steer away from grabbing a “thirst quencher” or “energy drink”.  Most of these are good for replenishing certain types of nutrients that are lost through perspiration during extended outdoor activities greater than 60-90 minutes. However, most of them contain high levels of simple sugar. This is not what you need on hot, humid days — or any other time, for that matter. For the same reason, you should not rely on carbonated soft drinks, alcoholic beverages or caffeinated drinks to maintain your body’s liquid levels. These fluids can have a diuretic effect, increasing fluid loss.

Water is important in nearly all of life’s chemical processes, and the production, growth and life of skin cells depends on it. Water within the cells helps make your skin look smooth, firm and tight. It is important for the functioning of our bodies’ internal organs, as well.

Don’t forget to drink water before, during and after exercise. In hot environments, active people should drink about 16 ounces of water 15 to 30 minutes prior to working out. After a workout, replenish fluids at the rate of one pint of water for every pound lost.”  Also don’t forget water has no calories. Learn the facts about staying hydrated and don’t overexert yourself outdoors in hot weather without proper hydration. Drink plenty of pure, fresh water and you’ll beat the heat and stay healthy.