Drinking enough water during the day can be difficult despite its apparent simplicity. However, staying hydrated might be difficult. Some people dislike the taste of water and seek ways to improve its flavor, which leads to consuming sugary beverages. Others may sit down to work or study during the day and forget to have some water nearby.
People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) must drink enough fluids, especially if they have diarrhea or have had surgery to remove part or all of the large intestine (colon). A nutritious diet can provide some daily water consumption, but drinking water is even more crucial if absorption is difficult.
Intake of Water
Because everyone’s water demands differ, there is no hard and fast rule on how much to drink. The idea is to assess your body’s water requirements based on your health, your surroundings (such as hot, dry weather), and whether or not you move enough to sweat.
If you find water boring, there are several easy and healthful ways to make it more appealing. In the case you forget to drink water or are not in the habit of doing so, you may use a few simple strategies to increase your water intake throughout the day. If you believe you are dehydrated, consult with your healthcare professional about the best way to rehydrate.
Treat Yourself to a Pitcher You’ll Enjoy
Consuming water is constantly nearby is one way to drink more of it. A pitcher or carafe of water nearby may remind you to pour yourself a glass every now and then. Choose a pitcher that appeals to you and complements your personality or décor. Perhaps you have one that was given to you as a gift or that you only use on special occasions.
Glass and stainless steel are terrific for accents on a table or counter. A pitcher does not have to be pricey; it simply needs to be something you like and can keep nearby during the day.
Consider a Fruit Infusion
Do you dislike the taste of water? Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but it’s understandable if the taste or “meh” factor turns you off. Avoid using other types of liquids or mix-in powders. Many of them contain unhealthful substances. Instead, add fresh fruits or herbs to your water for a natural taste.
Adding some lemon to your water is the quickest and most straightforward method. A fresh lemon should be washed and sliced. Squeeze a slice over your glass of water to provide a fresh citrus flavor. If you’re feeling cold, try some lemon in hot water and see how it feels. Perhaps you want to attempt something a little more daring, there are plenty of recipes for infusing water with fresh ingredients. If you decide that’s the route you want to take, you could even use an infusion pitcher to make things a bit easier.
Bring a Bottle of Water to Meetings
One hurdle to consuming enough water daily involves dedicating most of your day to an office, where you may need to remember to bring your water. At work, most people have a reusable water bottle or cup. Filling up your water bottle while walking to a colleague’s office or a meeting is one technique to remember to drink. Stop by the water cooler for a refill.
If meetings make you want to drift off, you might be tempted to bring coffee or tea, but instead, try some hot lemon water. Filling up your water bottle two or three times during the day will go a long way toward helping you satisfy your water needs for the day.
Obtain a Larger Glass
In some circumstances, bigger isn’t always better. However, when it comes to drinking the appropriate amount of water daily, switching to a larger glass may be precisely what you need. If you’re currently using a six-ounce glass, increasing it to 12 means fewer visits to the sink, and, in the long run, you may end up drinking twice as much water. It’s such a simple change that you could start right now.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
Staying hydrated is essential for health maintenance, but it is also critical to ensure that you are getting the correct quantity for your specific needs. If you need clarification on whether you’re drinking enough water, seek advice from your healthcare provider. Remember that, in addition to water, many foods, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, have a high water content and can offer extra hydration. Choose healthful, whole foods whenever feasible, especially water-rich fruits and vegetables. If you have difficulty completing your daily water goals, consider using an app or a reusable water bottle to track your progress. When you start drinking the required amount of water, you may feel better and realize you have more energy.
