When you’re hydrated, you’ve had enough water to stay healthy. Hydration is important for many reasons: it brings nutrients to our cells and it helps with brain function, sleep quality, and regulating body temperature. Every organ and cell in our body needs water to function properly.
Hydration from Food
Hydration doesn’t just have to come from drinking water! Foods can help you stay hydrated in the summer, and food can provide up to 20% of our daily fluid requirements. Plus, eating juicy foods gives us nutrients such as magnesium and potassium that our body loses through sweat.
Food suggestions for hydration
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Zucchini
Hydration from Drinks
Plain water is better than sugary beverages to help you hydrate. If you don’t enjoy the taste of tap water, try filtering it at home. Or boost the flavor by adding summery flavors.
Add flavoring to your water to improve the taste
- Lemon slices
- Orange slices
- Sliced strawberries
- Cucumber and mint
While it’s ok to occasionally have sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade, choosing the sugar-free versions is the better choice.