4 Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated and Avoid Summer Sicknesses

The skies are sunny, the breezes lovely… so why are we so weary? Blame dehydration, a problem that plagues 75 percent of us in the summer, Cornell researchers say. Great news: Restoring fluid balance can boost happiness and stamina by 60 percent, plus energize immune cells, helping you recover in half the time if you develop a viral infection.

Craving comfort? Brew up some Earl Grey.

That soothing cup of Earl Grey tea is not only as hydrating as a glass of water, British researchers say, its aroma calms edginess within two minutes. More good news: Three cups of black tea daily can help clear a sinus-clogging cold 55 percent faster, thanks to polyphenols, compounds that reduce congestion, energize white blood cells and tamp down immunity-weakening inflammation.

Need to cool off? Kick back with iced green tea.

A refreshing glass of iced green tea cools you off and rehydrates you more quickly than plain water. Explains biochemist Ray Kuttan, Ph.D., green tea compounds (catechins) speed the body’s water absorption, plus slow fluid losses through the kidneys. And EGCG in green tea coats many invading viruses, making them slippery so they can’t latch on to mucous membranes.

Feeling hungry? Blend an avocado smoothie.

Quash the munchies with a filling smoothie— just blend milk with avocado, ice cubes and a splash of vanilla extract—and you’ll boost your hydration and energy by 40 percent in 30 minutes, British studies suggest. Explains sports medicine researcher Sam Oliver, Ph.D., both milk and avocado are rich in electrolytes that improve fluid absorption and slow fluid losses through your kidneys.

Love cocktails? Sip sangria.

Spanish researchers say women who enjoy a glass of sangria every day are 32 percent less likely to catch colds than teetotalers. That’s because flavonoids in wine and vitamin C in fruit combine to quickly destroy rhinoviruses, plus boost your body’s production of virus-attacking antibodies. Tip: Because wine can dehydrate, just pre-hydrate with a fruity mocktail…

Berry Fruity Sangria Mocktail

Nutrients in this fruity sip boost immunity.

• 12 fresh mint leaves
• 2 Tbs. honey
• 1⁄4 cup lime juice
• 2 cups of 100% pure white grape juice
• 1⁄2 cup raspberries
• 1⁄2 cup blueberries
• Lemon seltzer

1. In small pitcher, muddle mint leaves, honey and lime juice; stir in grape juice. Add raspberries and blueberries.
2. Chill until flavors blend, about 4 hrs. When ready to serve, add ice and divide between glasses. Top with seltzer. If desired, garnish with more fresh mint.

Serves 2

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.