Several Ways to Increase Your Daily Water Intake

We all know drinking water is good for us, yet most people struggle to get enough water each day. Adults consume an average of 2000ml of water a day.

 

However, water makes up about 60 percent of the human body by weight. It is essential for the proper functioning of every cell in the body and performs important jobs, such as:

 

•  regulating body temperature

•  carrying nutrients and oxygen to different cells in the body

•  keeping eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes moist

•  lubricating joints

•  protecting organs and tissues

•  eliminating waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements

 

Not drinking adequate amounts of water leads to dehydration. Even mild dehydration can make you feel rundown and tired. More severe dehydration can be life-threatening and lead to heatstroke, urinary, and kidney problems, or seizures. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, extreme thirst, and confusion.

 

If you struggle to drink enough water to maintain optimum hydrations, here are several tips to help!

 

1. Add a Splash of Citrus

If you just can't drink glass after glass of plain water all day, try infusing your water with some citrusy flavor. Just slice up some lemon, lime, or orange, or even all three! Then add to a pitcher or bottle and let it infuse your water with fruity flavor. Keeping a pitcher of this in your fridge at all times will double your water intake in no time.

 

2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Toting around a refillable water bottle is a surefire way to increase your water intake. Pick up a cute one at the grocery store or mall and be sure to wash it often. Prefer to drink out of a straw? Look for bottles with built-in straws. Like the fruit-infusion idea in tip number 1? There are reusable water bottles with a special section for fruit slices.

 

Here's another tip: Did you know it's extremely common to mistake thirst for hunger? The next time you feel hungry, try drinking some water before reaching for food to see if that's what your body is really craving.

 

3. Change Up the Temperature

Start your day with a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon. Some people prefer ice-cold water, especially after a workout, while others find that sipping room temperature water is easier than sipping it cold. Try switching it up until you find the temperature that works best for you. It could be that you like different temperatures at different times of days.

 

4. Get Your Workout On

When you're working up a sweat you'll need to replenish those fluids. Even a fast-paced walk on your lunch break can have you reaching for the cold stuff. Set a goal of at least 8 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of physical activity. Make sure you're always prepared with a big bottle of water, especially if you're exercising in the heat.