Drinking enough water during the day can be a struggle, creating questions about how to drink more water.
There can be some potential barriers to staying hydrated including taste, convenience, time, and yourdaily routine.
Every persons water needs vary, so theres no hard and fast rule about how much to drink.
Water is best to stay hydrated, but its understandable if you don’t like the bland taste.
Dont reach for other types of drinks or mix-in powders.
Many of them contain ingredients that are not healthy (e.g., sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.)
Mint, lemon, cinnamon, and cucumber are popular choices.
The quickest and easiest way is to add some lemon to your water.
Wash and slice up a fresh lemon.
Take a wedge and squeeze it over your glass of water to give it a fresh citrus taste.
If youre cold, try some lemon in hot water.
Try an infusion pitcher to make it easier.
Most people have a refillable water bottle at work.
Filter Your Water
One way to drink more water is to make it taste better.
There are various types of water filters.
There are also countertop systems that attach directly to your faucet; some even add minerals to the water.
to help you stay on track with your daily water requirements.
Using a straw may help and a stainless steel container will keep the water cold.
A 2021 study suggested that sipping water compared to having a large drink can improve attention.
Drink Water With Meals
Skip soda or other drinks with your meals and opt for water.
This may help you drink more water without thinking too much about it.
Also, choose water when at a restaurant instead of soda or other drinks.
This will help you avoid extra sugar and calories.
You may not realize how dehydrated it’s possible for you to be when you wake up.
Drinking at least a glass of water upon waking can help boost your metabolism and kick-start your brain.
Drinking a glass of water before bed may help prevent a dry mouth upon waking.
Some people may have a higher risk of dehydration.
These include:
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
Usually drinking a lot of water doesn’t present a problem because it’s excreted via urine.
This is called water toxicity, orhyponatremia, and causes blood sodium levels to drop very low.
Summary
Drinking more water can be easier if you take some simple steps.
It’s easy to flavor water or improve its taste by filtering it.
Water is key to maintaining your health.
Dehydration can cause serious health complications.
If you think you are dehydrated despite drinking sufficient water, consult your healthcare provider.
They may adjust certain medications you take or request certain tests to provide a diagnosis.
Effects of mouth rinsing and mouth drying in adults.Psychol Res.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.How much water do you need?
Chan School of Public Health.The Nutrition Source.
National Kidney Foundation.Can dehydration affect your kidneys?
American Gastroenterological Association.Ulcerative colitis.
Chan School of Public Health.
