Add a slice of lemon to your bottled water... How to properly drink 'water' in the heat

Just adding a slice of lemon to bottled water can help quench thirst.

During intense heat and severe thirst, you should first drink plenty of water. It not only helps balance body fluids but also provides a sense of fullness, which suppresses appetite. However, if you keep drinking only plain water and get bored, try adding fresh herbs or citrus scents, which are low in calories. You can enjoy a different and unique flavor from plain water. Additionally, just adding a slice of lemon to your water can quickly relieve thirst and make you feel refreshed.

◆ Isotonic drinks replenish fluids and electrolytes, but watch out for sugar content

How about ion drinks instead of carbonated beverages? When you sweat a lot from exercise or other activities, ion drinks can help replenish fluids and electrolytes. However, since ion drinks can also contain high levels of sugar, it is not recommended to consume them frequently. Additionally, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, individuals with conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease that require salt intake restrictions should consult with a doctor to decide whether to consume ion drinks.

Be cautious of sugar in carbonated drinks and dehydration from caffeinated beverages.

To quench thirst, some people drink carbonated beverages or caffeinated drinks instead of plain water, but since carbonated drinks contain high levels of sugar, intake should be limited. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can cause dehydration due to increased body temperature and diuretic effects, so it is necessary to consume even more fluids to offset these effects.

◆ Hot foods and overeating No, drink enough water

When the scorching heat of summer becomes intense, appetite diminishes and the body becomes exhausted. Many people tend to eat hot soups as health foods, but in fact, it is better to avoid hot foods and overeating during hot weather. Since we are living in an era of nutritional excess, there is no need to specifically consume summer health foods. Instead, drinking enough water every hour is more important.

◆ Confirm adequate hydration through urine color

People who work or are active outdoors under the hot sun tend to sweat more than the average person, so they should drink more water than the recommended daily fluid intake. If they are consuming an adequate amount of fluids, their urine will be lemonade-colored. When fluid intake is insufficient, the urine will be dark yellow, so this can be used to check whether they are drinking enough fluids.