The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Water is one of the most important ingredients to be included in our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, many of us do not drink enough water, and therefore do not reap the many benefits that water gives us. 
Although water has countless benefits to our bodies some of the top ones are below:

• Water maintains balance of body fluids, which is crucial for digestion, absorption, circulation, maintenance of body temperature, transportation of nutrients and the creation of saliva.
• On the fitness end, water helps muscle cells to function properly. Cells without maintenance of their fluids can result in muscle fatigue.
• Water is also good for transporting waste products in and out of cells and keeps things moving along properly in your gastrointestinal tract. 

Not only does drinking water give the mentioned health benefits, but it can also help cut out unneeded sugar in our diets. The number one source of added sugar in the American diet comes from sugar sweetened beverages, whether that is soda, energy drinks, fruit juice or specialty coffee beverages.  If we could replace a majority of these drinks with water, not only would we be consuming less sugar, but we would be more hydrated and in turn, healthier. 

Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, for a lot of people, consuming enough water can be difficult for a lot of reasons. We are busy, so it's not convenient, it is boring, so we'd rather have something more flavorful, or, we just simply do not like it. Whatever the reason, there are ways to make drinking water easier and more enjoyable. 

• Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Keep a reusable water bottle in your car, at your desk and next to your bed. 
• Add fresh fruit and/or mint to your water. This adds flavor, without the added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Drink a sparkling water. Some of us are attracted to soda because of the carbonation. Well, sparkling water (without artificial sweetener or added sugar) gives us the carbonation "fix", without the lack of nutrients and added sugar and carbohydrates that a soda gives. 
• Eat more fruits and vegetables! While it is not much, these foods contain water, and help nourish and hydrate our bodies.

Need help figuring out how to get more water into your diet? Ask a team member at Gold Medal Physical Therapy!