If you could find a health drink that would boost performance, improve mood, lubricate your joints, fight off diseases, and maintain healthy function of your bowel, bladder, and brain, would you drink it?

Who wouldn’t, right?! In addition to

 the above, this magic potion is free and readily available.

Welcome to the wonders of water. Perhaps not as exciting as the latest protein drink or as highbrow as a cup of exotic tea, but sip-for-sip, it might be the best thing you can do for your physical and mental well-being!

Hydration 101

“Drink plenty of water.” We hear it every day. But do we take it seriously? Well, we should. In an adult human body, water makes up 50 to 60 percent of your body mass. Every day you lose over five quarts of water through normal activities and body functions.

When you don’t drink enough water to replace what you’ve lost, you risk dehydration. When dehydrated, your body begins to protect itself by shutting down important functions, which can lead to a bunch of bad things…from confusion and disorientation to life-threatening health conditions.

Drink Up

On the positive side, drinking water is one of the best ways to help your body perform properly and protect it from an onslaught of harmful diseases, illnesses, and ailments.

• Physical Performance. Water helps you perform at your peak, helping your body maintain temperature control and energy levels.
  
  
• Improved Brain Function. Studies show that increased water consumption can improve mood, memory, and concentration.
  
  
• Cleanse Your Body. Your water intake plays a major role in keeping your digestive system running effectively and flushing your body of harmful minerals.
  
  
• Prevent and Treat Headaches. Studies have shown that dehydration can be the root cause of headaches and migraines, while drinking water can often relieve headache pain.
  
  
• Weight Loss Aid. Drinking water is also a great way to compliment your weight loss efforts, helping you feel fuller throughout the day, boosting your body’s metabolic rate, and burning calories to regulate body temperature.

Tips to Stay Hydrated

There’s nothing difficult about staying hydrated. Being conscious about your beverage choices and aware of your intake needs can make a big difference in your hydration levels.

• Make it Your Go-To Drink. When possible, choose water. Tap, bottled, still or sparkling, all are great. No calories, fat, or sugar.
  
  
• Measure Out Your Daily Intake. Start your day by portioning out how much you need to drink and sip throughout the day. Not sure how much you need, check this handy intake calculator.
  
  
• Get a Good Water Bottle. Find one you like and always have it with you; when working out, at work, and at home.
  
  
• Spice it Up. Get tired of the same old thing? There are other alternatives like fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, skim milk, coconut water, milk substitutes…just watch those added sugars.
  
  
• Eat Water-Rich Foods. Add water to your diet by enjoying high hydration food such as watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries, zucchini, and celery.
  
  
• Tap an App. Love tech? Great, use an app to remind you to drink regularly and keep track of your intake.

Too often we turn to miracle cures and the latest health trends to help us improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. When in fact, all we really might need is a tall glass of water to help us feel better.

Cheers and stay well.