Did you know up to 60% of the adult human body is made up of water? Our bodies use water in all cells, organs and tissues to help maintain bodily functions, including:
- Regulating body temperature
- Keeping joints lubricated
- Preventing infections
- Helping with nutrient absorption
Being well-hydrated also improves cognition, mood, sleep quality, physical performance and much more!
Dehydration occurs when more water is moving out of your body’s cells than into them. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include dark urine, feeling of thirst, muscle cramps and fatigue, headaches, dry skin, low blood pressure and cravings for sweet/sugary foods.
You’ve likely heard the conventional wisdom that 8 glasses of water per day is the optimal target. The truth is, water intake is dependent on multiple factors, such as your age, activity levels, body weight, environment, etc., so there’s no ‘right’ answer. However, experts recommend that adults drink at least 8 glasses of water per day as a general rule.
Here are 4 tips for staying hydrated.
1: Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
Keeping a reusable water bottle with you will remind you to keep drinking and help track your water intake. A reusable bottle can also sit on your desk at work, go with you to the gym and be carried while you’re out and about, which will help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
2: Flavour Your Water
For some people, flavoured water is easier to drink than plain water. Adding lemon, cucumber, mint or berries to your water will provide a refreshing taste and encourage more water intake.
3: Increase Water Intake Through Food
Some fruits and vegetables have high water content, which can help keep you hydrated. Incorporate cucumbers, celery, iceberg lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, strawberries and apples into your diet to help your hydration level.
4: Minimize Beverage Intake
It’s best to avoid or minimize your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages when trying to stay hydrated. Soda, fruit juice, energy drinks and vitamin water, for example, are loaded with sugar and negatively affect hydration.
Hydration is extremely important to your health, so make an effort to stay hydrated every day!
