How to Prevent Dehydration
- 1). Water, water, water! Drink 8 to 10 glasses a day as the bare minimum - drink more on warmer days and when exercising.
- 2). Don't use thirst as an indicator for staying hydrated. If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, you're already dehydrated. Furthermore, drink more than until you thirst no more.
- 3). Choose your beverages wisely. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and some teas and soft drinks will only increase the effects of dehydration.
- 4). Fill up on sports drinks when taking on athletic activities - sports drinks replaces not only fluids lost when sweating but also important electrolytes that are excreted when you sweat.
- 5). Prepare for a sports activity by drinking about a pint of water 2 hours before. Continue to drink throughout the activity: 6 to 12 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes.
- 6). On those warmer days, take plenty of breaks from your daily activities to get in the shade and drink plenty of fluids.