drink. hydrate.
- margheritaanastopo
- Nov 18, 2018
- 2 min read
Staying hydrated is way harder than you think it is. Most people think they are well hydrated because they don't feel thirsty, but that doesn't always mean you have enough water in your body. In fact, your body can confuse thirst and hunger, and you'll often get hungry when all you need is a glass of water. The best way to know is to drink a glass of water and if you still feel hungry after 5 minutes, well just grab something to eat.
You can test your hydration by pinching your skin on the top of the hand. If it takes longer to go back, you are probably dehydrated. The other way to know is by simply looking at your urine. It should be really light, otherwise, the following tips may help you to drink more. And anyways, water will never hurt you, just be careful if you drink a lot to get more minerals in.
I like to drink in big containers, with a (reusable) straw, as I find it helps me to drink more. But you can drink in any way you like, maybe just a regular glass is the best for you.
Make it a habit. I drink one glass of water first thing in the morning, and that helps me get hydrated from the beginning of the day. You can also set the habit of drinking a glass as soon as you come home, every time you pee, etc..
Drink mindlessly: I usually drink more when I do computerwork, as I take my big jar and drink out of it while I work. That is the way I drink most, as I don't think about it. It's like when you have popcorn in front of a movie, you finish it before even realising it. Note: you'll have to pee really often.
Pimp it up, add some flavour to your water. There's nothing I like to drink more than water. Everytime I go over at people's houses, I just ask fo a glass of water. No offense, I jut love it. Anyway, if you get easily bored by water, just make tea, herbal infusions (both are really good to get some minerals in) or flavour your water with fresh fruit.
Light dehydration can have many small but uncomfortable effects on your body. For example,
- bad breath (think of when you take a long flight, you always get really dehydrated)
- dry skin
- muscle cramps
- headaches (it is not the only factor but you lose nothing by trying)
On the contrary, being hydrated can improve your mood (especially drinking a lot in the morning), your hair and skin health, your overall health (you get rid of a lot of waste when you pee) and your athletic performances.
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