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Now that we are more than halfway through May, June is fast approaching and that means summer is too. With the temperature steadily rising and the days continuing to grow longer the heat is definitely on here in Norfolk, VA. With that being said, as soon as things start to get hot again the need for you to increase your fluid intake once again becomes front and center in the seasonal health concern department.
Why?
Because whether or not you realize it, when it’s hot outside you are sweating and your body is working extra hard to keep its internal temperature regulated.
So, what’s all this have to do with Dr. Foleck or dental implants?
Quite a bit actually. When you are not properly hydrated you mouth cannot produce the necessary amount of saliva it needs to naturally fight off harmful bacteria. This puts not only the health of your other natural teeth at risk but your dental implants as well.
However, not everyone can remember to drink nearly a gallon of water a day, and not everyone wants to. Well, we have a solution for you that might help.
Snacking.
Snack to Improve and Maintain Proper Daily Hydration
Many people aren’t aware of the fact that your body can extract essential fluids from some of the foods you eat. In fact, the Institute of Medicine states that around twenty percent of the hydration our bodies receive should be attained through the food we eat. Soup, oatmeal, and yogurt are all great items that provide hydration within their edible qualities.
Just a couple issues, though:
Who wants to eat a piping hot bowl of soup or oatmeal on a summer day? Not us. And not everyone is friendly with dairy.
So, what’s a body to do?
Eat more fruits and veggies.
Increase Your Fruit and Veggie Intake to Improve Hydration
Yep, that’s right. Almost all fresh fruits and veggies contain a high amount of water in them. Some more so than others.
At this point, we bet you are wondering which fruits and veggies are the most hydrating. Don’t worry, we’ve got a list right here for you.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a true heavyweight hitter in the world of edible hydration. S much so that the University of Aberdeen Medical School stated that is was the perfect food for rehydration. This also means it can be eaten to effectively maintain hydration. Watermelon is a whopping 92 percent water with the added bonus of containing electrolytes that can replace the ones you are losing due to the heat. It’s also a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another edible item that packs a hydrating punch. Iceberg lettuce is an impressive 96 percent water – and not much else. Iceberg lettuce may not have very many nutritional benefits but there are plenty of other lettuce varieties that contain quite a bit of water with the added bonus of vitamins. These varieties include Bid, Butterhead, Romaine, and Spinach. Make yourself a salad for a refreshing summertime snack that your body and mouth will thank you for.
Here are a few other fruits and veggies that are high on the hydration scale:
- Celery – 95 percent water with fiber, minerals, potassium, and vitamin A to boot.
- Cucumbers – 96 percent water, vitamins B6 and K, and iron.
- Strawberries – 92 percent water, low sugar content, fiber, and vitamin C.
We hope this little list has inspired you to try a different approach at staying hydrated this summer. Until next time readers, go get yourself some fresh fruits and veggies to snack on, and keep smiling.