You Don't Always Need To Drink Water To Stay Hydrated!

It seems as if most articles you read on staying hydrated tell you to drink multiple glasses of water every day but many of us do not.  I don't drink that much water every day but did you realize that staying hydrated simply means that you consume enough fluids during the day so you don't feel thirsty.  The key is fluids.

Water is undeniably crucial for our well-being, but did you know you can also get a significant amount of fluids from your diet? While chugging a glass of water is always a good idea, incorporating water-rich foods can add variety and essential nutrients to your hydration routine.

Let's begin with fruits and vegetables. Nature's bounty offers a treasure trove of hydrating options. Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and oranges boast a water content exceeding 90%. Munches like celery, cucumber, and bell peppers are just as impressive, clocking in at over 90% water. These hydrating all-stars not only quench your thirst but also provide a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Then there are soups and smoothies. Start with broth-based soups since they are a comforting and hydrating option, especially during colder months. Vegetable or lentil soups can be packed with water-rich ingredients and provide a satisfying meal. Smoothies are another delightful way to sneak in hydration but make sure they are made with only a few ingredients and have little to no added sugars. Blend your favorite fruits, vegetables, and yogurt or milk for a refreshing and nutrient-dense drink.

If you are interested in electrolytes, forget those fancy sports drinks. Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate fluids in the body. Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and can be a great choice for rehydration after exercise or on a hot day. Low-fat milk is another option, offering electrolytes and protein to support hydration, especially after workouts.

As for coffee and tea drinkers, good news.  The long-held belief that tea dehydrates you can be put to rest. Unsweetened tea, hot or cold, is a perfectly hydrating beverage. In fact, it appears that tea is no more a diuretic than regular water.  You can still enjoy your daily cup of coffee or tea.

So if you aren't a person who likes to drink water, look at making sure you have these foods and drinks in your diet so you get enough fluids and stay hydrated.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Why is Hydration So Important?

 

My mother is always telling me that I do not drink enough water during the day to keep myself hydrated.  I realize they recommend a person consume 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses of water every day but I don’t do that.  Part of it has to do with not being able to head to the restroom when I want to and second I don’t like the taste of many of the waters I’ve had.  I remember getting a glass of water still fizzing from the tap  and I wouldn’t even try it.

It is important to drink enough water every day because it helps regulate the temperature of your body, helps to lubricate joints, allows your body to fight infections, delivers nutrients to various parts of the body while helping organs function properly.  Furthermore, every cell, every muscle, every organ needs water in order to work properly and it helps remove waste from your body. In addition, if you do not stay hydrated, your sleep quality can go down, along with your cognition, and change your moods.  

In terms we can relate to, a person’s body is made up of about 60 percent water.  If you weigh 155 pounds, your body is made up of 11 gallons of liquid or about 92 pounds of your body weight is made of water.  It has been discovered that being properly hydrated cuts down on incidents of dry mouth, and helps keep lips moisturised.  In addition, it helps keep the amount of blood up because if the volume of your blood goes down, your heart has to work harder to move it around.  In addition blood carries oxygen around so you want to make sure your blood volume is normal so it can carry enough oxygen.

Furthermore, staying hydrated allows your body to cool itself properly.  It also keeps your skin feeling more supple so you look better and helps your kidneys remove waste efficiently otherwise your kidneys could quit working.

Although it is strongly recommended the fluids be straight water, it is fine to drink water flavored with lemons, oranges, cucumbers, or strawberries, or even coffee and tea but none of the liquids should be sweetened with sugar. Sugar sweetened beverages such as soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and vitamin waters do not help us hydrate properly. 

Yes there is a controversy over drinking fluids with caffeine, research has concluded that people can have some caffeine without a problem.  For some people, caffeine can make them urinate more frequently but it is suggested one consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day.

So make sure you drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and in good health.  Be aware you might need to drink extra fluids if it is hot out or you are exercising. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day and on Monday, we’ll look at hydration and your face.