Staying hydrated is an important part of staying healthy, however, sometimes we just don’t crave water. Not drinking water is not an option. We need it to stay alive and for our organs to function properly. According to Science Alert, as little as 1 percent dehydration negatively affects mood, attention, memory and motor coordination. If you get to the point where severe dehydration kicks in, this can be a life-threatening scenario. It can cause extreme damage to your kidneys, heart and the brain.
It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid these unwanted health problems from dehydration. Don’t measure dehydration by the feeling of being thirsty, as this is a sign that your body is already dehydrated. It’s important to track how much you are drinking and to always have a water bottle on hand, like your Glasstic.
Now, water doesn’t have a flavorful taste in comparison to sodas, sugary juices and caffeinated beverages. But we can’t go around drinking these unhealthy alternatives and think it’s the same. It may help us feel hydrated, but in end, it can make us more thirsty and cause a lot of other health concerns. For example, drinking sugary sodas can make you gain weight, may cause insulin resistance, may lead to Type 2 Diabetes, and it can even create an addiction.
Although water may taste bland at times, it’s essential to drink. We’ve gathered a few of our water “substitutes” to help make sure you are staying hydrated and healthy.
Fresh Lemon
Add a lemon to your water! This will not only add a citrus flavor, but it has so many health benefits. According to Good Housekeeping, the sour and bitter taste of adding lemon to your water can actually help control sweet cravings. This might be the trick to stopping that soda addiction! The vitamins and nutrients in lemons are another positive. Lemons can help with constipation, it can help your skin glow, and even helps if you are prone to kidney stones.
Decaffeinated Tea
How many glasses of tea do you drink a day? We are guilty of having way too much tea throughout the day. Decaffeinated tea is a great way to add a little extra flavor. Just make sure not to load up on sugar! Other benefits of drinking tea besides the flavor include: a boost in the immune system, helps soothe the digestive system, protects the bones and promotes weight loss.
Seltzer Water
Seltzer water is basically tap water plus carbonation. LaCroix and other flavored sparkling waters seem to be the popular go-to among our friends and family. These calorie-free drinks are said to be equally hydrating as plain water. Bicycling says that seltzer is a great substitute for sodas and other meal-time drinks, but probably is a poor option before, during or after strenuous exercise. The one negative to seltzer water is the price of sparkling water. Although it’s not too spendy, it does cost more than filling up your Glasstic at the water fountain. If you are a huge seltzer fan, it might be worth investing in a sparkling water machine like SodaStream.
Cucumber Slices
Ever wondered why spas serve water with cucumber slices? Cucumber water is a refreshing drink that helps flush and detox the body. It is also said to help keep you feeling full so you don’t eat as much, and it even helps increase your metabolism. Other benefits include: helping with weight loss, fighting inflammation, and promoting healthy skin. Have you tried any of the hydrating methods mentioned? Let us know your favorite method to stay hydrated and healthy!
