Clever Ways To Stay Healthy & Hydrated

Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate your joints. Water is needed for overall good health.

Dehydration is a major cause of daytime fatigue, so drinking water regularly throughout the day is important for your energy concentration levels. Water is best for staying hydrated. Other drinks and foods can also help you stay hydrated. However, some may add extra calories from sugar to your diet. Fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and herbal teas add to the amount of water you get each day. Even caffeinated drinks (for example, coffee, tea, and soda) can contribute to your daily water intake. A moderate amount of caffeine (200 to 300 milligrams) is not harmful for most people. This is about the amount in 2 to 4, 8-ounce cups of coffee. However, it’s best to limit caffeinated drinks. Caffeine may cause some people to urinate more frequently, or feel anxious.

Yes, You Can Hydrate With Food, Too

Did you know that 20% of your water intake actually comes from food?
Yes, that means there are more interesting ways to hydrate than merely by remembering to drink water. You can also up your hydration levels by noshing on delicious fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, grapefruit, and more. 
In fact, most fruits and veggies contain at least 80 percent water—some as high as 90% which makes them a tasty and refreshing way to do so. These super simple and refreshing salads feature some of the most hydrating fruits and veggies.

 If staying hydrated is difficult for you, here are some tips that can help:

• Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. To reduce your costs, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water.
• If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink.
• Drink water before, during, and after a workout.
• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full.
• If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour.
• Drink water when you go to a restaurant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.

So, Don’t wait until you notice symptoms of dehydration to take action. Actively prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.