Water is good and very important to the body – That is a fact. The numerous functions of water in the body – from regulating the body temperature to protecting body organs and tissues – cannot be overstated. Nearly all major systems in your body depend on water to function. Adolescents should take 9-10 cups of water daily, depending on their gender. Naturally, Males consume more water than females. Needless to say, water is really essential to the body. Here are five simple tricks to help you drink more water.
1. Always take a glass before you go to bed and after you wake up.
2. Eat foods with high water content. Watermelon, cucumbers, and pine apples are good, healthy choices.
3. Watch what else you drink. Some drinks – such as alcohol- actually dehydrate you. Drink more water than other drinks. Of course, water doesn’t have to be your top priority. Milk and orange juice are great liquids to drink too. Try to drink healthy liquids instead of sweet drinks or alcohol.
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4. Keep the 8 glass rule in mind. Eight glasses of water each day is not the exact amount of water everybody needs. Every individual needs a different amount of water to stay healthy. At minimum, however, aim for eight glasses of water. It wouldn’t hurt to drink more.
5. Add lime, lemon, or other natural flavourings to your water. Slipping a slice of citrus fruit into your water can add a subtle flavor to perk up plain water, making it easier to drink more water throughout the day. Try mint leaves, cucumber slices, or berries for other flavor options to add to your water.
When you are dehydrated, there are obvious symptoms of dehydration, so watch out!
- Your urine is a darker yellow. If it’s a lighter yellow or clear, you’re hydrated.
- When you stand up and you’re dizzy.
- If you stick your tongue out, and it’s white. You know how sometimes your tongue may seem to have this pasty white on it? You’re dehydrated.
- Less tear production or less sweat.
- Lack of focus
Caution! Drinking too much water is rare but can cause hyponatremia, an electrolyte imbalance, which can have serious negative health consequences, including death. By letting your thirst be your guide, consuming water from a variety of food and beverage sources, and following the recommendations of a health professional for health conditions or intense physical activity, you can avoid drinking too much water.
