3 Ways to Increase Your Water Intake

Many people struggle with a surprising but important wellness issue.

Can you guess what it is? Staying hydrated! Most of us grew up hearing, “drink eight glasses of water per day.” That’s important, but as it turns out, there are many ways to get water into your diet besides drinking plain water all day. There are many things that contribute to fluid intake. If plain water isn’t your favorite thing to drink, you’re in luck! But make no mistake, water is extremely important.

According to the Mayo Clinic, water makes up 60% of the average person’s body weight, and it is responsible for many tasks, including getting rid of waste and lubricating your joints.

Dehydration can also cause severe health problems, including dizziness and urinary tract problems. It’s time to get hydrated and stay hydrated!

Eat fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables have high water content and contribute to fluid intake. Fruits with a high water content include watermelon, oranges, pineapples, plums, and cantaloupe. Vegetables with high water content include cucumbers, tomatoes, watercress, zucchini, lettuce, celery, and bok choy.

Drink other fluids

There are many drinks that contribute to hydration, not just plain tap water! That daily cup of coffee contributes to your water intake, as does herbal tea, smoothies, coconut water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, milk and milk alternatives, and sports drinks.

Coconut water contains a lot of potassium, an essential electrolyte.

Many athletes, especially runners, choose to refuel their bodies with milk and chocolate milk after a tough workout to replenish nutrients and hydrate. Some athletes replenish their bodies with pickle juice! Aloe vera juice also contains many important nutrients, including antioxidants. Alcohol does not hydrate the body and instead is a dehydrator.

Eat hydrating meals

There are other foods that contribute to hydration besides fruits and vegetables.

Yogurt has high water content and contains important nutrients, including potassium and protein.

Soup and broth have a flavorful, water base to add water to your diet, plus they contain sodium, which the body needs.

What if I really don’t like plain water?

Surprisingly, a lot of people do not like drinking plain water and struggle to drink it. Here are some ways to make your water taste better to accommodate:

• Add a slice of lemon or lime
• Dilute it with juice
• Drink flavored, sparkling water
• Invest in a water filter