Medical Information - In Focus - Ways to keep hydrated

In Focus's series: Ways to keep hydrated

Best ways to keep hydrated

 

Drink water.

 

Or any other liquid fluids. When your body is deprived of water in the tissues, your cells will draw water from your bloodstream, thickening it, thus straining your heart unnecessarily. You may also start feeling weak, light headed or groggy.

 

The simple 8-glasses a day rule is important to replenish the water depleted through perspiration and other means in your day’s activities. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors or living in a hot climate like South East Asia.

 

For variety, you can consume fruit juices, sports soda and other beverages that offer a different taste. You can dilute it to prevent loading up on the calories. Sparkling water or vitaminized water can also be good alternatives.

 

Fruits and vegetables have high water content and can provide for 20% of you daily water requirement if you consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Succulent fruits like watermelons, honeydew, oranges and grapes contain a lot of fluids in their juice and can make for great tasting options. Carrots and tomatoes work well for vegetables too.

 

Although caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda are liquid drinks, they act as diuretics, which cause the body to lose water. (You may feel an increased need to go to the washroom after consuming these liquids) The same can be said for alcoholic beverages, not to mention some of the less desirable side effects of excess alcohol consumption.

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