Hydration for Good Health this Summer
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April 27, 2020
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Water is the essence of life. Water flushes out wastes, regulates body temperature, creates saliva, helps with digestion, protects joints, hydrates muscles; in other words, water is important to every part of our body!
Come summer and we need to pay special attention to how much water we drink every day. We lose water easily through sweat, urine, or even as we breathe in the form of vapor. If we wait until we are thirsty, it is likely, we are already dehydrated! An easy way to tell if you are hydrated enough is to check the color of urine. If it's pale, you are hydrated and if it’s darker, your body needs water. The ideal hydrator to replace lost water is water itself!
Even though we know that our body is made up of nearly 60% water, we most often ignore this ‘zero-calorie nutrient’! Dehydration causes fatigue, headaches, skin problems or muscle cramps. How to get into the habit of drinking enough water?
- Always carry a water bottle with you
- Keep water within easy reach during day and night
- Make sipping water a routine before any activity
- Add flavor to water with a dash of lemon or other fruits
Since thirst is often mistaken for hunger, sipping water before a meal makes sure you do not overeat.
Eating water-dense foods is another way to stay hydrated. Topping the list are cucumber, tender coconut, watermelon, strawberries, skim milk, soups, and yogurt. With nearly 90% water, these foods carry the additional benefit of fiber, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants.
Hydration can add glossy look to your skin and hair. So, lure yourself into sipping more water and stay refreshed this summer!
Developed by Scientific Angle brought to you by Health Meter Services
Disclaimer: Don’t follow any suggestions in this article without consulting a qualified doctor
Sources:
- ‘Why is Water Important? 16 Reasons to Drink Up.’ Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important.
- ‘Want to stay hydrated? Drink before you’re thirsty.’ Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/want-to-stay-hydrated-drink-before-youre-thirsty/art-20390077.
- ‘19 Water-Rich Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.’ Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods.