January 5th 2025.
As we enter a new year, many of us are thinking about ways to improve our health. We all know that regular exercise and a plant-based diet are important for our well-being. And getting enough quality sleep, managing stress, limiting alcohol, and connecting with others are also essential for a healthy lifestyle. However, there is one aspect of our health that often gets overlooked: hydration. Water is truly the elixir of life, yet so few of us make it a priority to drink enough every day.
The best part about staying hydrated is that it's incredibly easy. There's no need to join a gym, prepare special meals, or search for fancy mocktail recipes. And the benefits of drinking enough water are endless, according to experts. It can improve blood pressure, diabetes, joint health, gut health, kidney function, and even ease migraines. Plus, let's not forget about the amazing glow it gives our skin!
Natalia Dmitrieva, a research scientist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated. She says that making this one small change to our daily routine can have a significant impact on our overall health and potentially lead to a longer, disease-free life.
So, how can we make sure we're drinking enough water every day? One helpful tip is to attach it to other routines that we do without even thinking about it. For example, if you're a coffee or tea drinker, fill a glass with water and drink it while you wait for your beverage to be ready. Or, if you're taking your dog for a walk, bring a water bottle and drink it before you head back home. You can even use stretching breaks or lunchtime as opportunities to drink a full glass of water. This habit stacking technique makes it easier to remember to drink enough water throughout the day.
Dmitrieva also points out that many of us don't realize when we're dehydrated. She says that statistics show a large percentage of Americans don't meet the recommended daily water intake, which is about 8-12 cups for adults. This could be due to not being aware of how much water we need or only drinking when we feel thirsty, which is often a sign of being already dehydrated.
But don't worry, you don't have to drink plain water all day to stay hydrated. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends low-calorie options like coffee, tea, sparkling water, and flavored water. On the other hand, sugary drinks like soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks should be avoided. Additionally, some fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, and lettuce, can also contribute to our daily water intake.
To make sure you're getting enough water each day, Dmitrieva suggests filling a 32-ounce bottle in the morning and making sure to drink it throughout the day. This, along with other beverages consumed during meals or breaks, should help you meet your daily intake. And if you find that you haven't consumed enough water by the end of the day, simply refill your bottle and make an effort to drink more before bedtime. By making hydration a priority, we can improve our overall health and well-being in the new year and beyond.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
