Planning to use your hot tub to help greet the new year? If not, you should. Whether your celebration will include a house full of guests or just you and someone special, opening up the hot tub can help turn a good party into a great one.
There’s just one important thing to keep in mind. Be sure that you and your guests stay properly hydrated so you can stay safe and healthy while you’re having a good time.
For years you’re heard the advice: “Drink 8-ounces of water a day.” However, the truth is, there isn’t much science that supports this old wives tale. Although the daily amount of water we should consume may be up for debate, everyone agrees water plays a crucial role in our well-being. For instance, too little water can affect your body and mood, resulting in dehydration and stress.
What’s more, the moment you start feeling thirsty, dehydration has already begun. According to research, even mild dehydration can leave your feeling more tired, weak, and suffering from brain fog. Mild dehydration can quickly progress to moderate or severe dehydration which can bring on an onslaught of other symptoms including rapid heartbeat, fever, listlessness, or even fainting.
Because soaking in a hot tub is much like a physical workout, your body will experience increases circulation, blood flow, and heart rate; therefore, hot tub users can quickly dehydrate. That’s why it’s recommended you drink a cup of water before or after entering the tub. (Drinking a cup of water before AND after wouldn’t come amiss, either.)
Staying Hydrated
To stay hydrated while using your HotSpring Spa, let’s take a look at five simple hydration tips:
1. Carry a water bottle everywhere at all times to ensure proper hydration. Since approximately 60% of your body is made of water, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids. Ultimately, this helps you regulate your temperature, digest your food, and transport nutrients throughout your body.
2. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you stay hydrated, too. They contain high levels of water.
3. If you don’t care for plain old water, try drinking fruit-infused water. It’s so yummy and refreshing.
4. Try drinking a sweet herbal tea before bed every night. These are typically rich in antioxidants and very beneficial to the body. Plus, they can reduce anxiety, ease tension and improve the quality of your sleep while boosting your daily hydration.
5. Wondering if you’re hydrated? Check the color of your urine. Pale urine is a sign your body is getting the right amount of fluids whereas dark yellow urine means you need more water.
Remember to always drink before or after entering the hot tub and don’t set the temperature to high, or you can risk dehydrating. (104 degrees is the highest limit, but most people find 100-102 degrees comfortable. Younger hot tub users need even lower temps.)
Do you have your own tips for staying hydrated when you use your hot tub? Share them with us on Facebook!