Summertime means long days in the sun, higher temperatures, and plenty of sweat. Whether you’re tanning at the beach or hiking with friends, the key to a fun, healthy summer without health problems is super simple—drink lots of water! It might sound too good to be true, or maybe even a little obvious, but the importance of staying hydrated is serious business for your body. The orthopedic doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports, and Health in Honolulu, HI, cannot stress this enough to their patients. Whether you see them for performance optimization, wellness coaching, or sports medicine the doctors will always tell you to manage your water levels. Here are three reasons it’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the summertime.

• Body Fluid Balance: Over half your body is made of, you guessed it, water! The liquid helps with an array of bodily functions from helping with digestion, maintaining your body temperature, and protecting vital organs. In the summer you sweat more which means your body loses water faster. Make up for it with another glass of the good stuff.
• Gut Health: Before you dig into a snack, consider drinking a glass of water first. Often times you’re not exactly hungry, you’re thirsty! While you’re at it, drinking water will help your stomach burn calories faster. Plus, you can avoid constipation and other gut problems by drinking your daily intake of water.
• Mood Improvement: Studies have shown that increasing your daily intake of water can reduce the length and severity of headaches. When your body is low on water blood vessels in your brain will dilate, making things even worse. Drinking plenty of water will ensure you’re headache free and in turn, less tired and way less irritable.

Drinking water is a key part of good nutrition. So don’t forget to bring your water bottle to the beach. Honolulu residents should call IMUA Orthopedics, Sports, and Health today at (808) 521-8170, or visit their website to learn more about their nutritional medicine and wellness coaching.