June 22: As temperatures across several Indian cities push past 40°C this summer, simply drinking more water may not be enough to keep the body properly hydrated. Heat causes the body to lose fluids and electrolytes through sweat at a much faster rate, which means hydration this season is as much about what you drink as how often. Here are five habits worth building into your routine.
- Start your morning with fennel or jeera water
After several hours of sleep, the body wakes up in a mild state of fluid deficit. A glass of fennel or jeera water first thing in the morning is a long-standing household practice that's seeing renewed interest as a gentle way to kickstart hydration before the heat sets in. - Don't skip traditional staples through the day
Buttermilk and fresh lime water have cooled Indian households through summers for generations, and for good reason. Both are light, easy on the stomach, and simple to fit into mealtimes or as a midday refresher. - Keep fruit-infused water within reach
Adding lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries to a bottle of water can make it easier to sip on consistently through the day, which matters more in extreme heat, when people often under-drink simply because plain water feels unappealing after the first few glasses. - Reach for coconut water
A natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, coconut water remains one of the simplest ways to top up what's lost through sweat, making it a practical addition on the hottest days. - On heavy sweat days, consider functional hydration
On days where heat and activity combine, whether that's a workout, travel, or just long hours outdoors, plain fluids alone may not replace electrolytes quickly enough. This is where functional hydration drinks have found a place: drinks such as Liquid I.V.™ Sugar-Free are formulated with electrolytes and vitamins and have become a convenient go-to for people who sweat heavily and need something more than water on the go.