Hydration Habits

Hydration habits are vitally important to our overall health and well-being. Water quenches thirst, regulates body temperature and keeps eyes, mouth and nose tissues moist while acting as a lubricant and cushion for the joints in our bodies. According to the Institute of Medicine’s recommended daily water consumption recommendations 91 ounces for women and 125 for men respectively, however many do not consume enough fluid, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, constipation and mental fogginess that indicate dehydration.

Consuming enough water is both easy and affordable. Plain water is your best choice to stay hydrated since it contains no added sugars or caffeine, though other healthful drinks such as kombucha or fruit and vegetable smoothies may be equally as hydrating for you body.

If you’re having difficulty reaching your hydration goals, try these easy tricks to get back on track:

Start each morning off right by drinking 16 ounces of water to set the stage for your day and assist your body’s natural wakeup process while replenishing any lost fluids through sleep.

Drink a glass of water before each meal and snack to help slow your eating rate, which can aid weight loss efforts. Plus, drinking plenty of water will make it easier to chew your food properly – an action which could prevent digestive issues like indigestion or heartburn from occurring!

Keep a water bottle with you all day: place it in your car, purse, desk or gym to remind yourself to sip regularly throughout your day! By creating this healthy habit of staying hydrated you’ll create lasting hydration throughout your day!

Add some zest: For a refreshing water experience that provides added vitamins, try adding slices of cucumber or berries. Keep away from drinks containing high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners or sodium such as acesulfame-K, sucralose or stevia which could cause bloating and other unwanted side effects.

As an athlete, it’s crucial that you replenish the fluids lost through sweat by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to replenish what was lost through sweat. But avoid energy drinks which contain high concentrations of caffeine as well as ingredients which stimulate your body (such as guarana or ginseng). Instead opt for water or sports beverages containing electrolytes.