Four Healthiest Ways to Stay Hydrated

It’s no secret that hydration is important to living things. You need to be hydrated to feel and function your best. In fact, many common ailments like chronic headaches, lack of focus, and sleepiness can actually be red flags for simple dehydration.

Stay hydrated, healthy, and wide-awake this summer without cracking open a sugary soda or extra-large coffee. Try our top four healthiest ways to remain hydrated, and make these practices a habit:

1)   Eat raw fruits and vegetables. Along with a tall glass of water, munch on summer snacks and meals that will help replenish your fluids. Go raw for the maximum amount of water retained within the fruit or veggie. Foods with the highest percentage of water in their volume include:

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Apples
• Kiwi
• Watermelon
• Zucchini
• Cantaloupe
• Celery
• Peaches

2)   Side with rice. Have you cooked much rice? You’ve probably noticed that, unless you keep pouring water in the pot, it burns easily! Rice absorbs a lot of water while it’s cooking, so it’s a healthier grain choice than plain bread or many thin pastas. To keep this choice on the healthy side, cook brown or wild rice instead of white.

3)   Drink alkaline water. Water is a calorie-free way to nourish your body. Do double duty for your health by switching from tap or bottled water to alkaline ionized water, which is water that’s been passed through an electric water ionizer to raise the pH levels of the water and increase its alkalinity. The result is a more hydrating glass of water that packs an antioxidant punch, and can help you combat sickness. Drinking alkaline water does more for your body than just add fluids. Read more about the specific benefits of alkaline ionized water here.

4)   Avoid dehydrating foods and drinks. You’ll be working against yourself if you consume excessive amounts of these dehydrating foods and drinks—especially in the heat. A little bit won’t hurt you, and dehydration susceptibility varies from person to person, but try not to consume these items in excess:

• Salty foods (like potato chips, pretzels, fries, and popcorn).
• Alcohol. It’s fine to throw back a few cold ones, but try to replenish with one glass of water for every glass of alcohol or soda that you drink.
• Soda and coffee. Caffeine tends to dehydrate the body more than hydrate it, so consume caffeinated thirst-quenchers in moderation.

Make sure you stay cool and hydrated through the summer months, and hydrate yourself, your family members, and your pets during all activities and vacations. Do you have any tips for how to stay hydrated when it’s hot? Drop us a line!