As the temperature rises, our bodies adjust itselves to stay cool and balanced. Staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining that balance. Do you also know what the easiest way to achieve healthy body, flawless skin and gorgeous hair? The answer is ‘by staying
hydrated’.
How do you know when you’re properly
hydrated? By paying attention to when you’re thirsty as well your water intake throughout the day. If you look at your urine and it’s clear and light, you’re probably well hydrated; if it’s dark or concentrated, you’re most likely dehydrated.
Dehydration is one of the most critical health issues people suffer from today, yet, overlook it. Most of us are so busy going about our workday that we completely forget to drink enough fluids each day. Symptoms like; dry mouth, bladder pain, anxiety, yellow urine, kidney problems, excessive thirstiness, constipation or feeling hungry even after a heavy meal are indications that we are not well hydrated.
Our body is made up of 50 to 75% water, the body uses water for almost every function; it carries oxygen and nutrients, transports hormones, moistens tissues, protects organs, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and uses it to eliminate toxins through the colon, skin, and bladder, and this makes it necessary for us to focus on our fluid intake.
When we say take more fluid to stay hydrated, perhaps the first thing that pops into your head is drinking lots of water. And that’s where the problem lies. Since water is basically tasteless, most people find it hard to drink water to remain hydrated. While a tall glass of water may be the ultimate way to stay hydrated. Nevertheless, there are alternatives available you can gulp that all taste better than water to keep your body hydrated.
To stay on top of your hydration needs, here are 5 ways to consume more liquids besides drinking water throughout the day.
Drink a smoothie for breakfast
Start your day with a glass of
smoothie. You can make a smoothie with high water contents such as oranges, peaches, pineapples, blueberries, watermelon, and raspberries, or you can simply choose one fruit or veggie, and add water instead of thickeners like almond milk or yoghurt. Your favourite flavours to make a nutrition-packed glass is a great way to get some water and fibre, as the fibre helps hold water in the body and also uses the water to keep you hydrated.
Coconut water
Coconut water is an excellent way to keep the body
hydrated. This popular drink has a high electrolyte content and potassium that plays a vital role in regulating body fluids. It’s also a great option to rehydrate the body after a light exercise. Coconut water is low in carbohydrate but the vitamins and minerals it contains are essential to restoring the fluid balance of the body.
Cucumber
This veggie has the highest water content of any solid food at 96%.
Cucumber is known for its versatility; you consume as a snack, use it in salads, smoothies, or slice it and put inside a chilled glass of water. Cucumber is an interesting way to keep the body hydrated. It has no saturated fat or cholesterol and contains vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and essential oils.
Have at least two pieces of fruit per day
Without a doubt, fruits are the best way to staying hydrated. Fruits should be eaten as snacks. Most of them are 90 percent water, and are an excellent source of vitamins and fibre, plus, they contain some sugar as well. Choose fruits like; watermelon (consists 92% water), cucumber (96% water), strawberries (92% water) etc as they will help stabilize your electrolytes. These fruits also are loaded with vitamins and other essential nutrients to stay healthy.
You can as well opt for freshly squeezed fruit juices. Squeeze oranges or apples or cranberries into a juice and combine them together. Add water to it as it will tone down the sugar content and make it even healthier.
Drink herbal tea throughout the day
If you are tired of water, or you don’t want all the juicing and chopping, simply brew yourself a cup of herbal tea. You can choose peppermint, chamomile, or just plain green tea. You can drink them hot or cool them in the fridge for a refreshing drink. Mix them up so that you can never get bored of the taste. Herbal teas provide your body with the hydration it needs ,and keep you fresh all day long.
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This article was first published on 28th December 2017
beckonoise
Becky Onoise is a psychologist, chocolate junkie, and puppy lover. A writer who is sorry... not sorry about correcting your grammar. She's a word enthusiast and aims to achieve her goals. Instagram handle @mz_berkey
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