5 Ways to Increase Water Intake

According to the CDC, our parents, and our doctors there are many benefits to drinking water. According to the CDC, getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones. Water has no calories, so it can also help with managing body weight and reducing calorie intake when substituted for drinks with calories, such as sweet tea or regular soda.
We all know the benefits of drinking water but what if we don’t like the taste of water? This question is very subjective being that water is colorless, odorless and tasteless.. but I digress.
I’m going to give you 5 WAYS to increase your water intake that may also be very tasty and easy to do.
SET ALARMS. Setting an alarm to go off every thirty to sixty minutes is a good way to remind yourself to drink. Waiting until you’re thirsty is not good for the body, that’s when mild dehydration begins. Signs of mild dehydration are the feeling of thirst, having a dry mouth, lips and tongue, dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up, having a headache or having dark colored urine.

UTILIZING A WATER TRACKER APP. According to Neswell.com the 3 best water track apps of 2023 is:
1. WaterMinder
2. Drink Water: Drinking Reminder
3. Water Reminder–Daily Tracker

PLAN YOUR WATER INTAKE
One way that you can stay on track is to make it a habit to drink 16 oz of water upon awakening from sleep, and at least 8 ounces of water before and after meals.

KEEP A WATER BOTTLE
There is a saying: out of sight, out of mind. If you have your water bottle next to you at all times, it’s a visual reminder to drink. There are several places that sell cute water bottles of all sizes with motivational quotes to help keep you encouraged throughout the day.

EAT YOUR WATER
There are several foods with high water content that you can incorporate into your meal plan that will help with your water intake. A few foods are broths or soups, celery, cucumbers and melons to name a few.
There are several benefits to adequate daily water intake. How much you need depends on your gender and your health status. Your primary care physician or nutritionist can assist you with determining what amount of water is sufficient and healthy for you.
On a personal note, I have been tracking my water intake since 2015. Anyone who knows me personally, constantly sees me with my gallon water bottle. Our bodies are made up of eighty percent water, so water is life…LITERALLY. Sign up for my newsletters at www.asknursesherrie.org and join my community of W.H.I.Nners where we utilize tips and hacks about Wellness, Health in Nursing and Life. I can’t wait to keep the discussion going so we can live our best, healthiest life.

Resources:

• CDC online. CDC: Division of nutrition, physical activity, and obesity, national center for chronic disease prevention and health promotion.
• 3 best water tracker apps of 2023. Author Joni Sweet. Reviewed by Sequoia Ridley RDN. Allison Larraga RDN.

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#stayhydrated #hydration #drinkmorewater