Dehydration is a condition when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. It is not something you can ignore because even mild dehydration can have negative effects on your health and well-being. Dehydration leads to the loss of essential fluids, resulting in an inadequate supply of water, salt, and other minerals for different body processes.
This has a direct impact on your physical performance, stamina and concentration. Unfortunately, many people ignore the signs of dehydration and don’t drink enough water every day. The result?
A number of negative consequences such as fatigue, headaches, dizziness, dry skin, bloating, nausea and constipation. Learn more with our post!
Effects of dehydration on the body
If you don’t drink enough water, you may be at risk of dehydrating your body. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and tongue, flushed skin, headaches, muscle cramps, dry and itchy eyes, nausea, and constipation. If left untreated, dehydration can result in fainting, seizures, organ damage, and even death.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to rehydrate immediately. The goal is to drink enough water to replace the amount you’ve lost. For example, if you lose two cups of water a day through urination, sweating and other excretions, you should drink two cups of water daily to stay hydrated.
Benefits of drinking more water
Water is one of the most important things you can drink, and not just to keep your body hydrated. Research has shown that water can benefit your skin, mood, digestion, and more. Here are just a few of the benefits of drinking more water:
Drinking water can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight: Drinking water before and during meals can boost metabolism and prevent overeating. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.
Hydration is key to overall health and well-being and helps prevent disease: A number of studies have shown that a daily intake of water can reduce the risk of developing certain diseases.
Water is essential for energy production and brain function: Drinking water can improve concentration and boost your productivity. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology showed that mild dehydration can impact cognitive function.
Promotes healthy skin complexion: Our skin is the body’s largest organ. That means what you put into your body can have a direct effect on your skin. Drinking water can help keep your skin hydrated, reduce wrinkles, and prevent acne.
Helps digestion: Our digestive system relies on water to break down food and flush out toxins.
Drinking water helps keep your organs functioning properly: Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to work correctly. Drinking plenty of water each day helps maintain our overall health by keeping our organs functioning properly.
How to drink more water
If you’re not drinking enough water, it’s important to fix that. Otherwise, you could suffer from dehydration, which can negatively affect your health and mood. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re drinking enough water each day:
Set a timer. You can use a water reminder app or a water bottle with a timer to remind you to drink throughout the day.
Buy a reusable water bottle. If you’re constantly refilling disposable bottles, it’s easy to lose track and forget to drink enough water.
Drink water before and during meals. Studies have shown that drinking water before you eat can help you feel fuller, which can prevent overeating.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. By that point, you’re already in the early stages of dehydration.
Tips for drinking more water
There are many ways to increase the amount of water you drink each day. Here are a few ideas:
Add water to your daily routine. Drink a glass of water whenever you do something you do every day, like brush your teeth or eat a meal. Find other daily habits that involve water, like doing the dishes or gardening, and use them to increase your daily intake.
Drink more water-based drinks. While you should be consuming the majority of your water from plain water, you can also add to your intake other beverages such as coconut water, green tea, and iced tea.
Eat water-rich foods. You can increase your daily intake of water by choosing foods that are high in water, like watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, asparagus, and avocados.
How to create a healthy habit of drinking water
One of the best ways to start drinking more water is to make a plan. Below, we’ve outlined a process you can use to get yourself hydrated:
Find your motivation. Before you can start drinking more water, you need to figure out what your reasons are. Why do you want to drink more water? Think about what will spur you to drink more water, whether it be a doctor’s appointment, a new job, or a competition.
Set a goal. Once you’ve found your motivation, set a goal for drinking more water. Are you aiming to drink one gallon a day, or three eight-ounce glasses? Whatever goal you set, make sure it’s realistic for you.
Track your progress. Keeping track of your water intake can help you stay on track. You can use a journal, use a water bottle with a tracking app, or try a hydration app.
Adjust your strategy as needed. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two. Things happen, and that’s OK. Just get back on track as soon as you can.
8 Infused Water Recipes
Water is essential for life, but it’s not always the most exciting drink. infusion can make water more interesting and flavorful. These eight recipes are perfect for spicing up your daily hydration routine.
From tropical fruits to fragrant herbs, there’s sure to be a flavor profile that appeals to you. So give one of these recipes a try today and enjoy a well-rounded glass of infused water!
- Watermelon and Basil: This is a perfect summertime drink.
- Mango and Coconut: This tropical-infused water is perfectly sweet and has a hint of coconut.
- Ginger and Lemon: This infused water has a subtle citrus flavor. It’s a great drink to sip on in the afternoon when you need a little boost.
- Orange and Basil: This classic combination is a delicious way to stay hydrated.
- Berry and Lime: This infused water is a sweet and tart treat.
- Cucumber and Mint: Cucumber and mint are both diuretics, so this drink is a great option if you’re trying to reduce bloating.
- Apple and Cinnamon: A warm drink, this infused water is a great way to end your day.
- Lemon and Honey: This infused water has a hint of sweetness and is a great way to start your day.
Conclusion
Water is essential for life. You need to consume lots of water every day to stay hydrated, prevent constipation, and promote healthy digestion. You can also infuse water with fruit for added flavor. These infused water recipes will help you drink more water each day. To make sure you are drinking enough water, set a goal, track your progress, and follow our tips for drinking more water.
