Water — you can’t live without it. It’s your body’s natural coolant, regulating your temperature while cushioning joints and boosting your immune system. Regular hydration can even improve your mood.
Yet so many Americans don’t drink enough water. Research suggests that nearly half of the U.S. population drinks less than three 16-oz glasses of water per day. For most people, this simply isn’t enough. Busy lives, stress, and easy access to alternatives like coffee and soda all contribute to the amount of water consumed.
Finding ways to overcome those challenges could seriously improve the health and well-being of you and your family.
The Benefits of Drinking More Water
The human body is roughly 60% water, so it makes sense that drinking more water every day is good for you. Here are some key facts about hydration and dehydration:
• Regular water intake is essential for a healthy immune system
• Drinking more water may impact your mental health positively
• Your skin looks and feels brighter and healthier when properly hydrated
• Hydration can also improve the quality of your hair
• Dehydration can lead to dry, itchy skin and inflammation
• Dehydration can also cause your body’s temperature to fluctuate
• Severe dehydration can eventually lead to organ damage and problems such as kidney disease
You’re more than likely aware of some of these facts, but still struggling to fit in your eight glasses of water a day — or your personal recommended daily amount. Below, you can learn simple ways to drink more water and improve your health, mood, and even your appearance.
Making Clean Water Easily Accessible
The first step to drinking more water is to ensure it’s easily accessible. If you have to run to the store for bottles every couple of days, you could be discouraged from drinking water. That’s why many households now invest in coolers and filtration systems, ensuring they have clean, fresh water readily available whenever needed.
Bottleless coolers are popular because you don’t ever have to buy replacement bottles to refill them. They include advanced filtration, ensuring your water is safe to drink. However, some people prefer bottled coolers for the flexibility of having one in any room.
Whole home water filtration systems improve the quality of the water throughout your property while protecting your plumbing system and prolonging the life of your appliances. With the right filtration setup, you can refresh yourself wherever you are in the home.
Drinking More Water-Based Drinks
While all drinks are fluids, not all drinks are as healthy as a glass of water. A cold, refreshing soda may be packed with sugar, sweeteners, and other additives that make it a poor source of hydration. Even so-called healthy drinks like vegetable juice and smoothies are high in calories and sugar, meaning they’re not suitable for everyone.
However, that doesn’t mean you can only ever drink plain, simple water. Here are a few ways to make your water more exciting — and encourage you to drink more of it.
Fruit Infusions
Infuse your water with a burst of fruity freshness. Simply wash or peel fruits, slice them, and place them in a pitcher of water. You can add ice if you like. Pour as needed to enjoy a subtly flavored refreshment.
Herbal Teas
Mint and chamomile are popular choices for relaxation and refreshment. These types of teas are mostly water, so you gain maximum refreshment. Additionally, they’re easy to prepare, making herbal tea one of the most convenient ways to increase water intake.
Note: If you are on any medications or have a health condition, speak to your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements of any kind.
Decaffeinated Coffee
You may have been told to avoid coffee because it could dehydrate you. That’s because caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it makes you need to use the bathroom more. Switch to decaf to avoid these potentially dehydrating effects.
Homemade Popsicles
Ideal for a summer’s day, a homemade popsicle made with just water and natural ingredients, such as a splash of fruit juice, is a hydrating treat. Possibly one of the most fun ways to drink more water.
Changing What You Eat
Did you know that what you eat also impacts your water intake? Fruits and veggies like watermelons, cucumbers, and juicy bell peppers all contribute to health and hydration. You’ll also gain hydration from soups, smoothies, and even sauces. Just remember that some “wet” foods can also be high in salt and sugar.
Tracking Your Water Intake
Many fitness apps now allow you to track how much water you’re drinking. You can set goals and may even be able to set reminders using your favorite app.
A water bottle with regular markings on it can help you keep track of how much water you’re drinking, too. You can find ones with volume markings (e.g., fluid ounces) or time markings, for example, 4 pm. If you’ve reached 4 pm and the water is above that line, you know to drink more water. You can purchase BPA-free water bottles, including larger ones that are suitable for camping or long journeys.
Alternatively, make a quick note every time you have a glass of water. You could also use your smartphone’s alarm or reminder system to prompt you to have a drink every couple of hours. Total up how much water you’re drinking every day to ensure you’re meeting your personal goals.
If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, talk to your healthcare provider. Your weight, sex, age, and lifestyle all impact how much water you need, but drinking a little more every day can have so many benefits.
For more information on the benefits of safe, clean water, contact Brio Water or take a look at our popular water filtration systems. You might discover that it’s the key to a healthier life.
