Best Ways to Stay Hydrated without Flushing Your System

Staying hydrated is essential to our health. In the summer, heat exposure can lead to dehydration, which is the loss of water in the body. Our bodies are made mostly of water. The average adult male’s is 60% while the average female’s is 55%. Body structure and age are also factors that contribute to our water percentages. Maintaining the right percentage levels is called hydration.

Without hydration, the body doesn’t function properly. Lack of hydration can be hazardous to your complexion. Skin can look dull or spotted. Energy levels are affected because of fatigue. It can even cause weight gain or bloating. People have fainted because they were dehydrated or have been hospitalized. So hydration is essential.

H2O

While drinking water is essential for your body, it needs more than water to stay hydrated. Your water should contain electrolytes, which are minerals that give your muscles and nervous system an electrical charge. This maintains pH levels and proper body function.  Plain water flushes out the needed minerals from your system.

Sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and improper diet can cause dehydration. Water plus minerals is the way to go. If you don’t have water with electrolytes, you can add a splash of lemon or Himalayan salt; drinking coconut water is another way to maintain hydration. There are ways to stay hydrated that surpass water. Let’s look at five alternatives.

Vegetable Juices

Juicing vegetables at home is a great way to get the minerals your body needs. Veggies like kale, spinach, beets, and carrots are high on the list for containing essential minerals. When you juice at home, you’re sure to get the right minerals. When buying juice from a grocery store, read the label to make sure the drinks aren’t just powered with fruit juice.

All you need is a juicer, which can be found just about anywhere. They’re generally easy to assemble and use. So, if you need hydration or just a healthy drink, juicing is a must-have. It can also replenish you from heat exposure.

Milk

Normally, milk isn’t associated with hydration, but milk contains a high amount of water. Additionally, milk alternatives like soy, almond, and coconut milk contain mostly water.  Adding some form of milk to your coffee, cereal, or oatmeal can boost hydration. If you don’t enjoy regular milk, try out the different alternatives.

Goat’s milk has a sweet taste, while almond milk has a naturally earthy taste. Vanilla is often added to almond milk, giving it a vibrant flavor.

Coffee

Coffee shops are everywhere these days, and people can get that cup of joe any time of day. Although coffee isn’t usually considered a healthy drink choice, it’s high in water and antioxidants. Some studies show coffee lowers the risk of diabetes and strokes. Drink coffee in moderation, though, because of its caffeine content. So, if it’s just a cup or two per day, drink up.

Tea

Tea is a great alternative to water, and it’s available in many varieties. Black, green, and herbal tea has a wide range of flavors and are easily found in grocery stores. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine for those, like myself, who want to avoid it. Along with water, teas are high in antioxidants and help to maintain hydration levels.

So, if you’re not a coffee drinker and don’t need that morning cup of joe to get you started, tea is a smart alternative.

Sports Drinks

The healthier sports drinks are the best. These are the ones that don’t contain a high amount of sugar. If you sweat buckets during workouts, it might be a good idea to drink sports drinks. They are a good source of electrolytes. They replenish the body’s water loss from sweat or heat exposure. Discover which sports drink is best for your hydration without the excess sugar.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important. Many alternatives do a better job than water, such as tea, milk, coffee, sports drinks, and vegetable juices. Since you have a wide range to choose from, go ahead. Pick your favorites, and drink up. Limit your heat exposure and stay hydrated to be on top of your game.  You’ll have a well-watered body, including all the minerals it needs.