Phoenix is one of the most iconic cities in the U.S., with its warm weather and stunning desert backdrop a top attraction for tourists, retirees, and remote professionals. However, unlike most destinations, summer is actually the off-season in Phoenix, as the high triple-digit temperatures create daily challenges for Phoenicians.
One of the challenges of living in the desert is maintaining proper hydration levels in the sizzling heat. Keep reading as we explore Phoenix summer hydration tips to help you survive afternoon scorchers.
Mobile IV Therapy
Mobile IV therapy is a leading trend in modern wellness. It can help alleviate symptoms of travel fatigue, boost immunity, and ensure fluid homeostasis for people living on-the-go lifestyles. IV therapy for heat is yet another of its applications. In many cases, people sweat out fluids as quickly as they can consume them in the triple-digit Arizona heat. This makes starting the day with optimal hydration levels all the more important, as it can be extremely difficult to play catch-up in such conditions.
IV therapy works by introducing mineral-rich fluids directly to the bloodstream via an IV drip. This allows the body to bypass the lengthy digestion process and start using key fluids and electrolytes within minutes of treatment.
Patients will consult with a certified nurse administrator for a brief medical history and body composition. During this time, the provider will help the patient select the ideal fluid cocktail to help them reach their hydration goals.
The provider will then come to the patient at their home, office, hotel, or other preferred venue. This adds efficiency to the day and allows patients to hydrate at their convenience ahead of a day in the Arizona sun.
Stay Ahead of Thirst
There is an old saying in the nutrition world: “If you feel thirsty, it is too late.”
Thirst is not a warning sign that you’re in danger of becoming dehydrated–it is a symptom of dehydration itself. The impulse to chug water is the body’s cry to get it back to normal.
Unfortunately, the other debilitating effects of dehydration–dizziness, fatigue, irritability, etc.–are likely to follow thirst, and it can take hours for your body to get back to a safe zone.
Therefore, it is critical to stay ahead of thirst and drink water even when you don’t necessarily feel like you need a drink. Some strategies include “jug life” (slang for carrying and nursing on a gallon of water throughout the day), setting a timer every 15 minutes to chug some water, and drinking a glass of water before and after each meal.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Sodium is everywhere in the modern diet. Look at the nutrition facts on any savory snack, and it’s all but a guarantee that sodium will account for most of the daily recommended salt intake in one tiny package.
While sodium is helpful for alleviating heat cramps–intravenous saline is a key electrolyte used in IV therapy–too much dietary salt can actually have the reverse effect. As high-sodium foods sit in the stomach, they pull water from your body’s cells to aid in digestion. This leads to cramping and dehydration.
Eat many fresh fruits and vegetables ahead of a day in the Arizona sun to avoid this scenario. Fruits and vegetables are high in water content. Not only do they aid in hydration themselves, but they are fiber-dense, which is key to digestion and promotes a controlled release of minerals into the bloodstream.
One final note: although it may not be popular, it is also a good idea to avoid coffee or alcohol ahead of a day in the Arizona heat. These beverages act as diuretics, which increase the production of urine. This will heighten the risk of dehydration as fluids are flushed from the body.
Carry Water Everywhere
Circling back to “jug life,” it really is a great idea to carry water with you any time you are out and about in Phoenix during the summer. Have a receptacle on your person at all times and a reserve in your car in case of emergency. Camel packs and hydroflasks are some ways to carry high volumes without being overly cumbersome. When hiking or doing any other type of activity, always make note of your surroundings and have a route in mind to the nearest water supply.
Know the Signs of Dehydration
It is critical to know the signs of dehydration during Phoenix summers. This can help you stay ahead of more serious heat stroke scenarios. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the symptoms of dehydration after mild thirst include headache, delirium, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness. Dark urine is also a cause for concern. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, IV therapy will be the quickest route back to normal.
Summer Hydration: Beat the Phoenix Heat with Mobile IV Therapy
Staying safe in the triple-digit summers takes careful planning in Phoenix. Explore innovative IV therapy to help add efficiency to the hydration process as temperatures start to rise in Arizona. Call us today to book your Mobile IV appointment.
