Stay hydrated to protect your health
You thirsty? Chances are pretty good you’ve heard the advice before…”Drink more water.” But are you doing it?
If you’re not, you might be dehydrated. And that can lead to bigger problems than just feeling parched and thirsty.
Dehydration can cause headaches, constipation, kidney stones, and impaired circulation. In hot weather, poor hydration can also lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The good news…when you do drink enough water, it can help:
- Control food cravings
- Regulate body temperature
- Prevent fatigue
- Improve physical performance
- Support kidneys to remove fluid and waste
- Control blood pressure
- Support brain function
- Improve digestion and metabolism
So if you’re not drinking water, what are you drinking?
Soda, energy drinks, sugar-sweetened beverages…maybe even nothing. In a recent survey, researchers found that:2
- 7% of adults don’t drink any water
- 36% of adults drink 1 to 3 cups of water a day
- 35% of adults drink 4 to 7 cups a day
- 22% of adults drink 8 cups or more per day
Are you drinking enough water?
At least 43 percent of adults aren’t. About 8 cups of water a day is recommended, more if you live in a hot climate or you’re exercising a lot. You can get water from fruits and vegetables, too.
If you’re not drinking enough water, how can you change that? It’s easier than you think.
6 EASY ways to drink more water
Want to get into the habit of drinking more water? Check out these six easy ways to get started.
1. Wake up with water. Drink a glass of water in the morning when you first wake up. Have a glass of water when you get home. And drink a glass of water before going to bed.
2. Hydrate for hustle. Drink before any physical activity such as walking, hiking, or biking. Drink at least every 30 minutes during moderate activity.
3. Use a water bottle. Keep a bottle of water beside your desk at work. Drink often throughout the day.
4. Drink water before meals. Water can help suppress your appetite if you’re trying to lose weight.
5. Freeze first. Fill a water bottle and freeze it. Take it with you for an ice-cold drink later in the day.
6. Add one glass of water a day. Drink water in place of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened drinks. If water doesn’t taste good to you, filter it. Keep a pitcher in the fridge. Buy bottled water. Or add lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries to improve the flavor.
With a little effort, you can make drinking more water a healthy habit. It’s easy to do, and it’s inexpensive. Fill up a glass or your water bottle and drink to good health.