How to Make Electrolytes Easily Fit in with Summer Plans
The scorching summer heat can really take a toll on you if you’re not properly hydrated, and that can ruin family fun in an instant. A little planning, adding in electrolytes and finding ways to stay hydrated can help.
Understanding Electrolytes During Hot Weather
An electrolyte imbalance can happen quite easily in hot weather. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium help your body maintain a fluid balance so that the water you drink stays longer and is put to good use.
In hot weather, you lose water and electrolytes through increased sweating to cool off your body, which can easily lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Every activity becomes more strenuous in the heat and humidity, but a great way to prevent dehydration is to make sure you’re taking in water AND electrolytes as part of your hydration routine.
Ways to Stay Hydrated in Summer
Relying on thirst to guide your hydration isn’t the best approach, as it signals, you’re already on your way to becoming dehydrated. In the summer heat, once you’re even slightly dehydrated it can be more challenging to catch back up and hydrate quickly and effectively. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining your hydration levels and helping you hydrate more efficiently and effectively.
Luckily, summer brings an abundance of delicious, hydrating foods and drinks perfect for rehydration. Great electrolyte options to have on hand to help you and your family keep hydrated this summer include:
- Coconut water
- Aloe vera juice
- Watermelon juice
- Cucumbers
- with no sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Tomatoes
- Yogurt
- Strawberries
- Avocadoes
- Pickles
If you’re cutting back on alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration or to try and just feel better and be healthier, our Mocktail electrolyte mixes can help. We’ve added new Strawberry Margarita and Cranberry Cosmo flavors to our Piña Colada and Peach Bellini Mocktini Variety Pack, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of your favorite summer beverages with zero calories and no sugar!
How to Keep Kids Hydrated During Summer
Make hydrating fun for everyone. Since kids can view drinking water as a chore, you can share classic for fun Ultima electrolyte drinks like Grape or Blue Raspberry. Some other great tips include:
- Popsicles – Always have this cool, tasty snack in your freezer ready to go.
- Fruit-Infused Water – Get your kiddos' input on which fruits to add to their water.
- Fun Water Bottles – Make hydration more fun with personalized water bottles, bonus points if it has a crazy straw!
- Flavorful Ice Cubes – Freeze fresh fruit or juice into ice cubes to add fruity flavor to water.
- Regular Sips – Offer sips of water during activity breaks and in-between rides at amusement parks or playgrounds.
- Hydrating Foods – Pack snacks with high water content like watermelon, grapes, and orange slices.
A good rule of thumb for kids' hydration is to have them drink their age in 8 oz glasses until they reach the age of 8. Watch out for signs of dehydration that could appear as normal kid behavior such as sleepiness, irritability or tummy aches. Other signs of dehydration include dizziness, flushed skin, nausea, and headaches.
Kids often imitate adult behavior, so model hydration habits for your little ones. Make it easy to stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy a healthy, active summer!
