10 Tips to Stay Hydrated All Day
Dehydration can cause serious health issues or medical conditions, with complications that affect your life in ways you may not even realize, including qualifying for life insurance and the rate you’ll pay. Staying hydrated with plenty of water and fluids also has numerous benefits to improve overall health and wellness. We’ll discuss the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day and focus on the best tips to stay hydrated so you enhance your health and decrease your expenses.
Staying Healthy and Life Insurance
Drinking plenty of fluids daily is important for optimal well-being, preventing diseases, and having enough energy to live life fully. Living a healthy lifestyle is also linked to life insurance rates and coverage.
Life insurance rates are based on gender, age, and health status. The healthier you are, the more affordable your rates will be. Insurance rates will be more expensive for individuals with multiple health conditions.
Life insurance is important but can be costly, so make sure to compare term life insurance quotes online to find the best deals. If you are young and healthy, term life insurance can be as cheap as $10 monthly.
The Importance of Water
Water is an essential nutrient, which means we must consistently consume it to stay alive. Our bodies are made up of at least 60% water, and we can only survive for a few days without it. All of our cells need water to function properly, and our muscles and blood are composed mainly of water.
Dehydration can be caused by not consuming enough water or by using a diuretic, which causes fluid loss. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, or fainting. It can also negatively affect exercise and sports performance.
Water is important to transport substances in the body and regulates body temperature, removes waste, and is an important component of our tissues and cells. Here are 10 tips to help you stay hydrated all day long.
#1. Drink a Cup of Water When You Wake Up
This is a great way to get a jumpstart on your daily water intake. As soon as you wake up, drink a full cup of water. You should do this before you have your morning cup of coffee.
#2. Carry a Water Bottle
This is one of the easiest tricks to stay hydrated throughout the day. A water bottle allows you to have instant access to water at your fingertips all day long.
#3. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have a ton of benefits, one of which is that they can contribute to your overall fluid intake. Most are 90% or more water, which adds up if you are eating plenty of servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day.
Grains, meat, nuts, beans, and dairy products can also contribute to your overall fluid intake, so include the recommended amounts from these food groups, too.
#4. Cut Back on Alcohol
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it makes you lose fluids. Drinking too much alcohol will cause fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. Limit your alcohol consumption and drink at least one cup of water between each alcoholic drink.
#5. Drink Extra Water When Active
Hydration with water is even more important when you are physically active, playing sports, or exercising. You should drink water before, during, and after workouts to stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect performance and make you feel fatigued quicker.
#6. Try Fruit Water
If plain water tastes boring to you, try adding some fruit to your water for a flavor pop. Lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits taste great in water.
Berries are also an easy addition to water. Even some vegetables like cucumbers can add a refreshing twist to your boring water.
#7. Check Your Urine Color
It may sound yucky, but your urine color is a great indicator of your hydration status. It should be light yellow, pale yellow, or clear. If it’s yellow or darker, it’s time to drink more water.
#8. Sports Drinks Can Help to Hydrate
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade can keep you hydrated during hot weather or long-duration physical activity or exercise sessions. If you are sweating a lot because you are outside or if you are exercising for longer than 60 minutes, a sports drink can help you stay hydrated.
#9. Don’t Forget Other Beverages
Beverages like milk, fruit juice, tea, lemonade, hot or cold soup, smoothies, and even soda can also help add to your fluid intake. You will want to moderate the amount of high-sugar or high-calorie beverages you drink, but all fluids can help you stay hydrated.
#10. Set an Alarm
If you find it hard to make yourself sip on water throughout the day, set an alarm to go off at regular intervals. You could also use an app to remind you as well.
Staying hydrated all day long doesn’t have to be difficult. These tips are a good reminder to sip on water and other healthy fluids to keep your daily hydration levels in check for overall good health.
Melissa Morris writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, LifeInsurancePost.com. She is a certified sports nutritionist and teaches nutrition at the university level.
