As a naturopathic physician, I’ve heard each purpose within the guide why somebody won’t be capable to get of their really useful ounces of water every day.
“I’m too busy,” “I neglect,” and the oh-so-common, “I simply hate plain water” are just a few.
And, sure, I get it. Gulping glass after glass of plain water generally is a bore… and a chore. The nice information is that there are “hydration helpers” on the market you need to use to bump up your physique’s hydration stage with out being married to a glass! I’ll share these in a minute, however first, let’s get again to the fundamentals.
What Is Hydration?
Hydration is outlined as the method of inflicting one thing to soak up water. In our case, we’re speaking concerning the human physique, after all. However you’ll be able to take into consideration this in different contexts, too. For instance, if you wish to use a sponge to wash your sink, do you set the sponge in there when it’s dry and anticipate it to do its job? No. You moist it first so it turns into pliable and, effectively, helpful. The identical is true for our our bodies. They want water to operate as they need to.
Why Do Our Our bodies Want Water?
The record of causes our our bodies want hydration is a prolonged one (see a earlier article here), however right here’s a fast recap:
- It retains your pores and skin smoother and more healthy, so that you get pleasure from a youthful glow and also you aren’t caught scratching at itchy, dry pores and skin all day.
- It helps cognitive operate and helps lower by way of the dreaded “mind fog” that may derail your productiveness… and your entire day.
- It retains your methods going… and flowing. From balanced electrolytes, to joints, muscle tissue, circulation, physique temperature, and even your inside “plumbing,” water is the magic elixir that retains your physique’s methods in tip-top form.
How A lot Water Do Our Our bodies Want?
Let’s discuss how a lot you really want. The arduous reality is, you’ll be able to’t get all these body-boosting advantages from a glass or two of water per day. You already know this although, don’t you?
Whilst you ought to all the time seek the advice of along with your physician to get recommendation tailor-made to your private wants and well being state of affairs, an excellent rule of thumb is to devour half your physique weight in ounces, each day. So in case you’re 150 kilos, you need to shoot for a minimum of 75 ounces of water per day. If it’s scorching out otherwise you’re very lively, you’ll want extra.
How Do I Know If I’m Consuming Sufficient Water?
You’ll know you’re assembly your physique’s hydration wants in case your urine is gentle or non-colored. In case your urine is darkish or in case you really feel thirsty, you’re both teetering on the sting of dehydration, otherwise you’re already there.
However What If I Hate Consuming Water? What Can I Do As a substitute?
Ah, sure! That is the place these “hydration helpers” I discussed above come into play. If you detest chugga-lugging glass after glass of plain water, this part is for you.
Add Some Taste
One of many best methods to make water extra palatable is so as to add a shot of pure taste. Strive these:
- Citrus fruit slices, like lemon, lime, or orange
- Herbs like contemporary mint leaves, basil, or cilantro
- Fruits like melon, berries, and even pineapple
- Cucumbers, which give water a clear, crisp, spa-like taste
You can even use my beloved Lemon Sips, an easy-to-mix powder that, when mixed with water, creates a sugar-free, fat-free, citrusy-delicious drink that refreshes and satisfies! I name it a “refreshing, detoxifying improve to your H2O.” (Actually, it says that proper on the packaging!)
Lemon Sips not solely make your water tastier and—dare I say it—extra thrilling, additionally they:
- Helps detoxify + flush waste out of your system
- Helps diminish cellulite and pores and skin dimpling
- Rehydrates and nourishes your pores and skin
- Helps defend pores and skin from UV injury
- Provides you a wholesome increase of power
That’s a whole lot of bang in your water-drinking buck, wouldn’t you say? When you like lemon, you gotta attempt Lemon Sips.
Feast On Water-Heavy Meals
Do you know that some meals are 90-100% water? Whereas I received’t let you know to eat a tomato and a cucumber and name it good in your day by day water consumption, these water-packed fruits and veggies can increase your hydration ranges and your nutrient consumption. Add them to your plate as typically as you’ll be able to.
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Greens
- Lettuce
- Melons
- Mushrooms
- Okra
- Pumpkin
- Strawberries
- Summer time squash
- Tomatoes
- Watermelons
- Zucchini
HOT TIP: Strive making “noodles” out of squash or zucchini. Extra water, fewer carbs. Increase!
What About Tea and Espresso? Do They Depend Towards My Water Objectives?
Espresso used to have a nasty rap for being dehydrating, however now that tune has modified. Whereas espresso does have a slight diuretic impact, the quantity of fluid misplaced is greater than offset by the quantity of fluid you’re taking in. So, sure, tea and occasional rely towards your hydration targets. Simply ensure to not overdo it with caffeine.
Honing Your Hydration
With so many hydration helpers actually at your fingertips, you shouldn’t have any downside getting all of the water your physique wants and craves. Maintain at it and don’t be afraid to get artistic.
Completely happy Hydrating!
