As a native, visitor or long-term guest to Atlanta, Georgia, it does not take long to realize that Spring, though arguably the prettiest season, is the most disastrous of seasons. Between the heat, humidity and unavoidable amount of pollen, springtime in Atlanta is just plain harsh. In order to stay healthy and prevent dehydration, drinking copious amounts of water is not just advised, it is necessary. With allergies, heat and municipal water, it no wonder that bottled water delivery is so popular in Atlanta.
But how do I know if I am already dehydrated?
In the middle of your fast-paced day, it is easy to forget to drink water at all, much the the recommended amount each day! Here are some signs that your body might be telling you it is time to take a water break:
You Are Parched
Rule of thumb: If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Keeping a bottle of water at your desk to ensure you’re never without a sip of crisp, cool water.
You Have Muscle Cramps
It’s easy to write these off as general sore muscles throughout the day but it could be due to your body heating up without enough water to cool it down. Have some water and instantly feel more energized and less lethargic.
You Crave Sweet Foods
Many fruits and sweet veggies are high in water content. So while you might be craving the jelly-filled doughnut from the vending machine, take an extra step to getting rehydrated by having some strawberries or bell peppers –they are made of more than 90% water!
Your Head Is Pounding
Headaches are a pretty good indicator of dehydration since the brain is held within a fluid sac in the skull. As the sac becomes less hydrated, the brain begins to swell against the skull causing the aches. Grab a glass of water and kiss that headache goodbye!
Nature’s Calling Doesn’t Look Natural
Generally speaking, urine should be mostly clear with a slight tint of yellow. As the body becomes more dehydrated, the urine becomes darker and can eventually lead to more serious kidney problems if not handled carefully. Have a glass or bottle of water every hour and watch Mother Nature in action the next time nature calls!
All in all, your body is pretty good at telling you what it needs and there are many different indicators of dehydration. So listen to what your body is telling you and keep a cold glass of water nearby to answer its’ demands.
Want to keep dehydration at bay? Try Lipsey mountain spring water for two weeks, free of charge, and feel the difference for yourself.