How to Fight Dehydration This Summer

Your body needs water for many basic functions, and maintaining proper levels is key to a healthy life. Dehydration can affect you in various ways, and your risk increases in the summer. Here’s how we address it.

All living things depend on water, which is one of the few substances that naturally exists as ice, liquid, and vapor at Earth’s surface. It also stabilizes the planet’s climate and enables agriculture.

We carry 59-67% of our body weight as water, and all parts of our bodies need it to function properly. It’s normal for your body’s water levels to fluctuate, but if you lose more fluid than you replace, dehydration can set in — something that happens more often in summer.

Our medical team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care helps residents of Chicago, Illinois, with a range of medical issues and can help you fight problems like dehydration to stay safe this summer.

To avoid the symptoms and complications of dehydration, let’s review the signs, how warm weather affects hydration, and learn how to maintain healthy water levels.

Dehydration symptoms

Dehydration, which happens when your body’s water levels fall too low, can cause different symptoms, depending on how much fluid you’re missing.

Mild to moderate dehydration can cause thirst, dry lips, dry mouth, darker urine, infrequent urination, muscle cramps, irritability, and headaches.

Severe cases of dehydration can cause no urinary output, along with issues like rapid heartbeat and breathing, confusion, fainting, dizziness, seizures, and rapid weight loss. People often confuse dehydration with hunger because the symptoms—like low energy, dizziness, and headaches—can overlap.

Why dehydration occurs more often in warm weather

A variety of issues can cause dehydration, including illnesses that lead to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or increased urine output.

When you’re out in warm weather, your body cools itself by sweating, which releases heat and fluid from your skin. While sweating occurs naturally and by necessity, losing too much water this way can cause dehydration.

Without taking in enough water to maintain normal bodily function, severe dehydration can contribute to dangerous heat‑related illnesses, including heatstroke, which can be life‑threatening.

Steps to avoid dehydration

To prevent becoming dehydrated while enjoying the summer sun, here are some basic steps to follow:

Drink fluids

Drinking at least eight ounces of water when you get up, just before bed, and throughout the day when you feel thirsty helps keep your water levels normal.

Coffee and tea contribute to hydration, though water should remain your primary fluid source. Avoid alcohol, as it can cause dehydration.

Don a wide-brimmed hat

To prevent overheating, a wide‑brimmed hat helps block direct sunlight and keeps you cooler.

Wear loose, light-colored clothing

Wearing loose, breathable fabrics that don’t absorb light can keep you cool in the summer heat.

Mist water

Spraying yourself with water can help cool your skin and reduce overheating, which lowers your risk of dehydration.

Staying hydrated in the summer heat is essential for good health and enjoying the season. Follow these steps when you’re out in the elements, and schedule an appointment with our team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care by phone or online today to address your concerns about dehydration.