NEWBURY, OH -- When the outside temperature rises, so does the risk of dehydration. The human body needs ongoing water replenishment in order to function properly.

Although dehydration can adversely affect anyone, it is particularly dangerous for seniors and infants, because babies’ tiny bodies are extra sensitive to water imbalances. People who are physically active outdoors are also at greater risk.

The water quality experts at Kinetico Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of quality water treatment systems, offer the following tips to help you lower your risk of dehydration:

Know the warning signs. Dehydration can show up in many forms, including a dry mouth and marked thirst, as well as infrequent urination or dark yellow urine. Your eyes may appear sunken and your skin may lose its normal elasticity. (To determine this, pinch the skin on the stomach using all five fingers. If it doesn’t spring back quickly, you may be dehydrated.)

Limit physical activity. Since the body loses much of its water through perspiration, the more active you are in warmer weather, the more fluid you’ll lose.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, draining valuable fluids from the body. Therefore, caffeinated foods and beverages should be limited.

Limit alcohol consumption. If you’re already hot or flushed, alcohol will only worsen the condition, causing you to feel overheated.

Avoid iced beverages after strenuous activity. Most people choose to quench their thirst in hot water with icy drinks. However, ice actually causes blood vessels to shrink, limiting how quickly fluids can be absorbed into the body. For rapid fluid replenishment, drink beverages that are closer to room temperature.

Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the preferred beverage for keeping your body humming because it contains no fat or caffeine. It is also absorbed very quickly into the body because it doesn’t contain any sugar to slow down the absorption process.