6 ways to make sure you're drinking enough water

Up to 60 percent of the average human body is made of water, making it essential to how our bodies function. On top of this, it’s important to make sure we have enough water in our systems on a daily basis. Hydration is key to our health since it helps the heart pump blood more easily, and it may also play a role in the prevention of some chronic diseases. We’ve all heard the recommendation to drink sixty-four-ounces of water a day, but in reality that’s much easier said than done. Here are tips for getting enough water in addition to drinking the good stuff. 

1. Eat foods prepared with water

Although it’s easy to assume that we should turn to liquids to meet our hydration needs, 20 percent of people’s daily water intake actually comes from food, according to a report by The Food and Nutrition Board. Foods that are prepared with water hold more hydration power, so keep this in mind before your next afternoon snack or trip to the grocery store. Things like soups, smoothies, and oatmeal are all good fluid-filled options.

2. Choose room-temperature water

The temperature of the water you drink can play a role in hydration. When we drink cold water, our bodies exert more energy to warm the liquid to our internal temperature of 98.6 degrees. Because of this it is believed that room temperature water may be easier for our bodies to absorb. And with a Culligan system, you can get fresh, filtered water right from your tap, enabling you to easily control the temperature of your water. Although room temperature water is ideal in some situations, It’s important to note that during intense exercise, cold water is still recommended as the optimal form of hydration. 

3. Drink water throughout your workout

Staying hydrated before and after exercise is important, but it’s also essential to drink throughout your workout. Drinking fluids during exercise helps prevent dehydration and keep your body at an optimal performance level. It’s recommended to drink three-to-eight ounces of liquid every 15-20 minutes, and this includes water as well as sports drinks containing electrolytes. In addition to keeping your body hydrated, drinking fluids during exercise may also help cardiovascular health and muscle function.

4. Avoid food and beverages that cause dehydration

We know by now that certain foods and drinks are better for hydration. On the flip side, some of the things we eat and drink can actually contribute to dehydration. Alcohol is the most obvious culprit, since it is a natural diuretic that causes our bodies to lose more liquid. It has also been found that consuming too much protein may lead to dehydration, and things high in sodium like cured meats, soy sauce, bouillon cubes, movie theater popcorn, and fried foods dry out our bodies as well.

5. Carry a reusable bottle with you

This one might seem intuitive, but always having a reusable water bottle with you is an easy way to encourage yourself to drink more water. Water becomes more accessible when you keep a stainless steel bottle on hand — and it’s even more accessible with an at-home Culligan water filtration system. Just seeing your water bottle might be the reminder you need to stay hydrated. Besides, after spending money on a water bottle, you may find yourself motivated to use it as much as you can to get the most out of your purchase.

6. Try chia seeds

That’s right, chia seeds. Since they are covered in a soluble fiber that’s hydrophilic, these magical little seeds absorb about 10 times their weight in water. This can then help your body regulate fluid levels and retain electrolytes, which are important for hydration. Just be sure to consume chia seeds with plenty of fluid (like a glass of water) so that they don’t absorb water internally from your body.