Hydration

The Benefits of Proper Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for overall health and well-being. We already know that drinking enough water helps with weight control and can make us more energetic and productive. But what else? Here are the top health benefits of proper hydration:

Keeps your body temperature normal and helps sweat keep you cool.
Helps flush out toxins in the body and supports the removal of waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.
Aids nutrient absorption, circulates oxygen throughout the body and helps boost metabolism.
Promotes healthy brain and nerve functions and is important for digestive and joint health.
Helps maintain healthy skin complexion.

We need between 6 and 8 cups of fluid per day to stay hydrated, although this number is variable for different people depending on lifestyle and medical needs. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning optimally and extends to almost every aspect of our life.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Start your day with a glass of water, and make sure you’re getting enough water throughout the day. If you find it hard to remember to drink water, keep a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day.
Eat foods that are high in water content. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water and can help you stay hydrated. Things like tomatoes, cucumber, melon, spinach, and strawberries are high in water content.
Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates you instead of hydrating you. Stick to water, herbal iced teas, and other non-carbonated, caffeine-free drinks.
Add flavor to your water. If you find it hard to drink plain water all day, add some flavor to it. Squeeze fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice into your water, or infuse it with fresh fruit, herbs, and spices.
Monitor your urine color. Your urine should be pale to clear in color. If it’s darker than usual, that’s a sign that you need to drink more water.