Drink! Drink! Drink!

The temps soar, you want to run, bike, or even swim, but you feel awful after just an hour or so. Dehydration is deadly – and sneaky. You might not think you’ve lost as much moisture as you have, your brain begins to fog a bit, and next thing you know, you can hardly move. Even swimming will dehydrate you; you might be in water, but you don’t absorb it through your skin. Keep a water bottle on hand for regular sips throughout your time in the sun. If you choose to use plastic or steel, don’t leave it in the car because the added heat can accelerate chemicals leaching into the water. Water is great, but you do need to replace lost electrolytes, too. Electrolytes are the trace minerals and salt your body uses and loses through sweat. Alcohol, however tasty on a hot afternoon, actually dehydrates you more because it’s a diuretic- makes you go to the bathroom more frequently. It also tends to fog your brain, which is the last thing you want to do to your poor heat-fogged brain. To make your outdoor fun a little safer, remember to drink! drink! drink! For an electrolyte boost, add a mix like Alacer Electrolytes to your water. It has no artificial sweeteners or additives and will help rehydrate you a bit better than straight water. For a home-made mix, use two to three tablespoonfuls of vinegar, one (or two) tablespoonful of honey, about a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or a handful of fresh mint (or lemon balm, sage, lavender) in a quart of water. If you don’t mind a bit of sludge, leave the ginger or herbs in the bottle and keep topping off with plain water as needed. Drop by the shop to check out the silicone-sleeved glass water bottles we offer. They are made in the USA, 100% dishwasher safe, with or without a drink cap.


Shop info: Ravenswood Natural Health 1606 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury CT. 860-264-1587. Hours: Mon. closed; Tues. 11:00 - 5:30; Wed. & Fri. 9:30 - 5:00; Thurs. 10:00 - 6:00; Sat. & Sun. 9:30 - 5:00. Website: www.ravenswoodnaturalhealth.com