HYDRATION BEYOND WATER: 5 HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET.

Water is Life. Staying hydrated is key. You probably know this already but still find it difficult keeping up with your hydration goals.

What stops you from staying hydrated? Frequent trips to the bathroom? or could it be that you get so involved in your day and forget to drink water as you should.

Whatever your reason, I come bearing good news. Staying hydrated shouldn’t have to be rigid or stressful. There are healthy food and fruits with high water content that can keep you hydrated.

You can enjoy snacking on these while also keeping up with your hydration goals. Come along and find out what these foods could be.

WHY IS HYDRATION IMPORTANT?

The existence and functions of your body revolves around water. Your body is composed of about 60% water.

Your cells, blood, muscles, organs all need water to function. When you stay hydrated, you help your body carry out its activities effortlessly.

These activities include and are not limited to;

• Moving oxygen and nutrients to your cells
• Improving digestion
• Keeping your joints well lubricated
• Removal of waste and toxins from your body through the kidneys.
• Regulation of your body temperature.
• Dissolving nutrients and minerals for your body’s usage.

You also do your skin a favor when you stay hydrated. Denying your body water leads to dehydration.

Dehydration is a state where your body lacks enough fluid to function as it should. When this happens, it finds a way to let you know.

Dehydration isn’t always about thirst. The following could be a sign that you are dehydrated:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Urine color

To avoid these, you must constantly find ways to replenish your body fluid and your body’s need for water.

Constantly stay hydrated and it doesn’t have to be about gulping down a gallon of water. Be creative while actively working towards hydration.

FOODS THAT KEEP YOU HYDRATED

20% of our hydration needs can be catered to when we consume healthy food and fruits. Nature is gracious to us when it comes to foods with high water content.

The following can help you in your daily journey to staying hydrated:

• Ø CUCUMBER: This vegetable is low in calories but a good source of fiber, Vitamins A and K. Its water content is the highest amount present in any solid food to exist. You can have it in your salads, sandwiches and it can be infused in a glass of water. It has a 96% water content.
• Ø CELERY: Celery is made mostly of water. It has a water content of 95%. While it serves to hydrate you, it can also pass as a healthy snack. Celery is a good source of potassium and it supports colon hydration.
• Ø WATERMELON: A source of antioxidants, fiber and Vitamin C. Watermelon has a sweet taste that makes it really enjoyable. Like its name, it has a water content of 92%. Watermelon is good for relieving muscle soreness.
• Ø CABBAGE: With 92% water content, Cabbage is rich in Vitamins C and K. It is highly beneficial to the digestion process.
• Ø TOMATOES: This fruit with all its juiciness contains sodium content which helps the body retain fluid in the body. This fruit has a water content of 94%. Be sure to eat tomatoes and your heart will thank you for it.

CONCLUSION

Having these hydrating fruits in your diet provides you with nutrients while also keeping you hydrated. It is worthy of note that water cannot be replaced even with the percentage of water present in these fruits.

You should not abandon water but compliment your water intake by eating these fruits. Incorporate them naturally into your diet and watch it improve your overall health.

Water isn’t an enemy, stay hydrated always!

Let me know which of these fruits you’ll be adding to your diet in the comment section.