WATER.
We’re sure you understand the importance of drinking it, so we won’t keep you long.
Water is to your body what oil is to your car. We literally cannot function without it. Let’s brainstorm some ways you can keep you and your family running smooth during these long, sunny days!
THE VERY REAL BATTLE AGAINST CHRONIC DEHYDRATION
How many of us would say that we drink plenty of water? That we can’t really pinpoint moments when we feel thirsty?
That’s the deceiving thing about dehydration. We think that feeling thirsty is our cue, and as a result, 3 of every 4 Americans are living in a constant state of dehydration.
One of the biggest contributors to dehydration is our habit of drinking beverages that dehydrate us – alcohol, soda, energy drinks, coffee, black tea, even some herbal teas contribute to the problem.
For example: for every 10 ounces (1.25 cups) of a caffeinated beverage (coffee, tea, soda, energy drink) ingested, we can lose up to 12 ounces (1.5 cups) of water. In other words, for every cup of tea or can of soda, you’ll need to drink almost double that amount in water to stay properly hydrated.
Amid all of the health recommendations available to you today, it’s sobering to be reminded that water is undoubtedly the most important nutrient to get into your diet and the only nutrient whose absence will be lethal within days.
BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS!
Dehydration is one of the easiest health conditions to reverse.
No doctors visits, no prescriptions, no medical bills, and research has shown there are zero negative side effects of drinking more water.
If you don’t love the taste of water (or you simply get bored with it), let’s take a look at which foods will give you an extra boost of H2O. This information can be especially helpful for any kids or grandkids that put up a fight to drinking water throughout the day!
There are some serious Urban Myths out there about how foods like Watermelon, Cucumber, and Celery are not ‘nutrient rich.’ While they may not pack a nutritional punch like Kale or Broccoli, they are HUGE for helping with daily hydration!
So don’t worry if your kids turn up their nose to Brussel Sprouts and Spinach. Join them in their enthusiasm for these water-dense foods, and rest easy knowing that they’re staying well hydrated during these long, hot days.
