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 Summer is finally in full swing! It's the season of fun in the sun, and barbecues in the backyard! For many of us, summer entails a trip to the beach or a day at the local park, accompanied by a large terrycloth towel and tube of SPF 30. When much of our fickle summer energy is focused on keeping the bridge of our nose from burning and lazing the day away, we need to care about what's occurring within our bodies.
 Now, let's go back to what we've learned in 5th grade biology class. Remember that water constitutes most of the human body, approximately 70%. Water is the building block of life. It's needed for us to simply exist, let alone function properly. When the ratio of water decreases from its norm, we begin to suffer from what is known as dehydration.
The affects of dehydration can benignly result in a dry itchy mouth, or severely manifest as delirium and unconsciousness. The primary bodily functions responsible for water excretion are urination and perspiration (sweating). Water loss is not limited to sweating; liquid can also disperse from the human body through respiration, and even intravascularly (within the blood vessels).
 During summer, our primary loss of water comes from perspiration. We must replace our water loss with a higher water intake, especially if we engage in sports or other exercise activities. The basic breakdown for water consumption varies, but the tried and true traditional method is eight, 8 ounce glasses of water per day. When exercising it's recommended to drink one half to 1 cup of H20 for every 15 to 20 minutes of physical activity.
Other experts suggest that an adult should consume 1 oz of water per pound of body weight. Regardless which regimen you choose, be cautioned: drinking too much water in a short period of time can lead to a very serious condition known as water toxicity. This toxicity occurs when electrolytes in the body are thrown out of balance and cells begin to swell. In acute instances, cell swelling can form in the brain causing cerebral edema. Water intake should be spread throughout the day.
 Besides consuming clear liquids, water intake can be supplemented through ingesting certain foods. Eating watermelon, bell peppers and strawberries, are just a few ways to add to your liquid intake. In addition, low sodium soup broths and herbal teas can also supplement water intake. However, beverages containing caffeine (such as many sodas, energy products, and coffee) act as a diuretic and actually dehydrate the body.
 Enjoy the warm summer season and remember to take care of your body inside and out. In addition, Irene's Natural Products Store is having a fantastic promotion. Receive one free, 20 ounce bottle of Deja Blue purified water with your purchase in Irene's Natural Product Store! What a great reminder to stay hydrated the next time you're visiting our campus.
Click here to print off your coupon now!
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