How to Drink More Water
Water is an essential need. Unfortunately, many people do not drink enough water on a day-to-day basis. Not drinking enough water often leads to dehydration, which can cause both acute and long-term health issues. Because of the health risks of dehydration, it is important to ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
One way to increase the amount of water you drink is by carrying it with you. By always having water with you, you can slowly sip it throughout your day. I find that carrying water with me to my classes makes drinking enough water effortless. Reusable water bottles are an excellent and environmentally friendly way to do this. In addition, many reusable bottles are stylish, with a variety of colors and designs.
Another way to increase your water intake is through different types of water. People who want to replace soda or alcohol with healthier options may find sparkling water helpful. Many sparkling water brands have zero sugar and calories but still provide a carbonated and flavorful option for people trying to drink more water. Even sparkling waters containing added juice or sugar—such as Spindrift and Liquid Death—often have minimal amounts added, especially when compared to popular brands of soda. While it is important to be aware that sparkling water with added juice or sugar can be less healthy than other options, they are still an excellent way to increase water consumption.
Another fun variation of regular water that can help increase water consumption is infused water. This can be especially helpful for people who want flavored water but do not like or want carbonation. You can make your own infused water by adding fresh fruit and herbs to your water. Some water bottles have a detachable infuser that holds fruit and herbs, keeping them contained to make drinking easier.
In addition to fruit and herbs, tea can be a great way to flavor water at home. While sugary sweet teas are not particularly healthy, unsweetened hot and iced teas can be an excellent way to hydrate. One thing to be careful about with this approach is that some teas contain caffeine, which can be problematic if consumed in excess or too late in the day. However, most herbal teas are non-caffeinated, meaning that they can be enjoyed throughout the day as a delicious way to provide variety to your hydration.
One tip for making it easier to stay hydrated is to reduce the amount of water you need to drink. Excessive amounts of sodium and alcohol are dehydrating and increase the amount of water you need to stay adequately hydrated. Although avoiding dehydrators such as these is not a replacement for hydration, reducing the amount of water you need to drink throughout the day can make drinking enough water more manageable.
Drinking more water may seem challenging, but it can be an easy and effortless way to improve your health. Hopefully, these tips and tricks help you drink more water throughout your day.
