Drinking enough water is a problem that most people face throughout the year. We become more dehydrated in the summer when we’re hot and thirsty. It’s still a problem in the winter since we tend to forget to drink water when it is cold out. A potential sign of dehydration can be tighter skin or chapped lips. You may realize you are always reaching for some chapstick or a moisturizer to get some relief!
Water is important since it helps our body function properly.
The benefits to drinking water and staying hydrated are:
Improved brain function
When you are dehydrated, you are fatigued and have a slower brain function
Improved circulation and blood flow
Prevents cramps by allowing nutrients to flow in and out of muscles better while removing waste so they get less fatigued
Energy boost
It helps maintain your energy levels by helping your body transport oxygen and nutrients all over your body
Can help with weight loss efforts
It keeps you away from sugary drinks and helps suppress appetite since we think we are hungry at times when all we need is to be hydrated and drink some water
How much water we need to stay hydrated depends on a person’s age, weight, and gender! Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Kids love to be active, whether it is running around on the soccer field or playing tag, they need water to be able to have fun and be active. When you are dehydrated, you feel more tired, dizzy, and may get get a headache. To avoid these symptoms for you and your family, hydration is key!
Here are some cool ways to stay hydrated!
Drink fruit-infused water
If you like flavor, you can try fruit-infused water. This can make staying hydrated exciting all year round. Some great fruit-infused water combinations are strawberry mint as well as citrus with mint and cucumber!
Drink warm liquids
A great way to stay warm and hydrated is to drink warm liquids like herbal teas, hot chocolate, and other non-caffeinated beverages. Teas come in a variety of relaxing flavors like mint or chamomile to unwind after a busy day!
Limit caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means you lose more water than what you drink in a day. This adds to the feeling of dehydration. You can substitute these beverages with non-caffeinated drinks like smoothies, herbal teas and of course, water!
Eat your water
Make more soups and stews. They can also be a comforting meal to stay warm and cozy. Fruits and vegetables make up a big part of your diet. They naturally have water in them which can help you reach daily water intake levels! Some examples are oranges, leafy greens, and even potatoes. See this other post to see what fruits and vegetables are in season.
http://rrtcadd.org/resources/Advocacy/Water-Amounts-in-Fruits-and-Vegetables—Handout-Week-10.pdf
Now you can try these tips to keep your body hydrated from the inside out!
