Hydration packs make staying hydrated on the move easy and convenient, thanks to their specially-designed reservoir attached to a hose leading directly to a bite valve that you drink from.
Once you recognize the signs of dehydration, start with oral rehydration solutions like DripDrop ORS to quickly combat dehydration. These convenient powder packs contain an optimal balance of sodium electrolytes and glucose to quickly combat dehydration and restore your water reserves.
Hydration packs
Hydration packs offer outdoor enthusiasts a convenient way to drink water hands-free during outdoor adventures. Available in various sizes and featuring insulated tubes to prevent the water from freezing in cold environments, many hydration packs also feature wide openings that make cleaning the reservoir and drinking tube easy – not to mention they may help prevent bacteria buildup and mold growth in their reservoir.
Size matters when selecting a hydration pack for long distance hiking and mountain biking excursions; small packs are optimal for lightweight pursuits like running and mountain biking; larger packs provide room for jackets, extra layers, food, and emergency supplies on longer hikes or bike rides.
Minimalist packs typically feature a simple hip belt and small accessory zipper pocket, while others provide more substantial webbing designs to provide support and comfort. Some models, like the USWE Rush 8, even include removable hip belts. Meanwhile, others are specifically built for snow with features like insulated reservoir sleeves that prevent your water from freezing over.
Oral rehydration solutions
Oral rehydration solutions are medically-formulated beverages containing an exact balance of sugars and electrolytes to combat dehydration. They should be mixed with clean water and then consumed; alternatively they can be administered through nasogastric tube in cases when drinking is too difficult. They are available pre-mixed packets at drugstores and grocery stores like Pedialyte or RiceLyte that can be purchased in large quantities.
Orally Administered Rehydration Salts (ORS) have become one of the most significant medical innovations of the 20th Century, contributing to a decrease in deaths from diarrhoea in children under five worldwide. Working through glucose-coupled sodium transport, these solutions replenish water, electrolytes and energy reserves while simultaneously protecting from dehydration.
Homemade oral rehydration salts (ORS) can be made with commercial rehydration salts and clean drinking water, following the instructions on the packet. This method of administration may be particularly helpful for people too sick to drink as a nasogastric tube can deliver it directly into their stomach.
Hydrating foods
As part of your plan to stay hydrated during a heatwave, fruits and vegetables that contain high water contents such as fruits and vegetables should be the center of your nutrition and health benefits plan – this includes foods like berries, melons, tomatoes, oranges and pineapple.
These foods contain up to 96% water, packed full of essential vitamins and minerals to keep you cool in the heat. By including leafy greens like Romaine or Bibb lettuce salad on your menu, you’ll get an additional dose of vitamins and minerals.
Cucumbers and watermelons are excellent hydratation foods, as their composition is nearly 90 percent water. Refreshing cucumber slices or slices cut from watermelons make a healthy and refreshing snack or can even be blended into fruit smoothies! Other great hydration-boosting foods include tomatoes, avocados and Brussel sprouts – while oranges provide vitamin C and antioxidant benefits too.
Electrolyte powders
Electrolyte powders offer an effective alternative to sports drinks for staying hydrated; unlike their carb- and sugar-filled counterparts, electrolyte powders contain essential minerals designed specifically to keep athletes hydrated during intense training or long outdoor periods. Plus, electrolyte supplements may aid recovery while increasing performance!
When purchasing an electrolyte drink, ensure it’s free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners and that contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for optimal results. Third-party testing companies such as Informed Sport or NSF for Sport should verify its safety for competitive athletes.
Cure Hydrating Electrolyte mix is an excellent option because of its balanced ratio of electrolytes and low calorie count, plus convenient single-serve packets to carry with you on-the-go. Plus, this solution contains adaptogens such as lion’s mane mushroom which may help boost cognitive performance; plus it is sugar-free with no artificial colors or flavors added!