Why Hydrate?
It’s easy to lose water and vital nutrients when you’re outside partying or inside a hot, stuffy venue. Why does that matter so much? Hydration is really, really important to your overall health – science says so. Our body is made up of 60% water, which is distributed throughout the cells in our body and kick starts important processes like processing waste, lubricating joints, helping digest food, helping the brain make hormones and neurotransmitters, and generally allowing the body to create, multiply and maintain the amount of cells it has. Each organ in your body is partly made up of water, and that water helps it to function correctly. For example, your brain and heart are made of 70% water and your lungs are 83% water, and those are definitely organs you want to keep healthy and strong!
Antioxidants and Why They’re Key
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay damage to cells in your body by things called “free radicals.” Free radicals are molecules that cause damage to body cells and are thought to contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Free radicals are found in things like:
- Processed foods
- UV rays from the sun or from tanning beds
Since free radicals are found in things that we consume often, we need to load up on antioxidants to prevent these things from causing damage to our precious cells! Common antioxidants are:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Lycopene
- Lutein
- Selenium
Antioxidants are commonly found in fruits and vegetables, as well as many foods that we eat. Some great sources include:
- Milk, eggs
- Papaya, strawberries, blueberries
- Spinach, leafy greens
- Beef, turkey, chicken, fish
Ways to Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can be a challenge, especially when you’re at festivals. Here are some helpful tips to keep hydrated while still having an awesome time:
Start out hydrated. You’ll be ahead of the game if you start drinking water the day before the festival. Make sure you are drinking at least 64 ounces of water the day before, so you’ll already be ahead when you get there. Make sure to utilize water lines at festivals so you can keep up with hydration throughout the day.
Water bottles or hydration packs. There are lots of different water bottles on the market to choose from. It’s probably your best bet to go with a water bottle that keeps drinks cold for long periods of time. Not only will you have refreshing cold water that tastes good, but it will also help you cool down if you are in a hot, sunny environment. If regular water isn’t your thing, there are infusion water bottles to consider. These have baskets that hold fruit in your water, infusing it with a hit of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so you can add whatever you feel like adding that day. If you need a water bottle that reminds you how much to drink throughout the day, they have those too! This water bottle has time marks on it, so you know how much you should have had by whatever time it is. If water bottles aren’t your thing, consider a hydration pack that you can wear on your back. These can be backpack-style canteens, vests, or even waist-wearable that have a tube that is easily accessible, making staying hydrated hands-free and an incredibly easy task.
Replace vitamins and electrolytes. When you sweat, you’re actually not just losing water – you’re losing important electrolytes too. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and others come from the food and drink we consume, and levels change based on the amount of water in your body. Electrolytes are incredibly important to your body’s functions and have big impacts on vital organs like your heart. Drinking electrolyte-enhanced water will help you maintain a good balance. There are water supplements (both liquid and powder form) like Rave Doctor that you can buy that act in the same way.
5HTP and Mood
In case you hadn’t heard, stress is a depressant for both your body and your mind. Since you definitely want to avoid the depressive side effects while partying at festivals, consider using a supplement like Rave Doctor that contains 5HTP. What is 5HTP, you ask? Great question! 5HTP is an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin in the body, which is a natural mood elevator. Low serotonin levels can contribute to symptoms like depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, so 5HTP is a handy supplement to have in your back pocket.
So before you go out and party the day and night away, be sure that you’re getting the vitamins and other vital nutrients that you need to be as healthy as possible, while staying hydrated! Rave Doctor gives you everything you need, and more. Get yours today!
References
https://familydoctor.org/antioxidants-what-you-need-to-know/?adfree=true
