About 75 percent of the human body is water. That’s why the physiological effects of dehydration take a toll on your body: you can experience a decline in physical performance, weakness, headaches, and impaired cognitive function in extreme cases. Regular hydration, on the other hand, has a positive effect on the function of the entire body and maintaining the homeostasis, or the balance of vital functions. Briefly speaking, without proper hydration, the quality of life will degrade.
You must be aware (also from your own experience, for sure) that you need to drink water. But what are the alternatives? What can you do to make water taste better, to give it a nice twist?
Eat fruit and vegetables!
It’s not true that you only hydrate when you drink water. Food is also made up of water, so when you eat fruit and vegetables, you are stocking up on the essential fluids. What is highest in water (as much as 99%)? Skim milk, strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, green cucumbers, tomatoes. Interestingly, even such products as pizza or bread supply our bodies with water (ca. 40% of water). We also recommend NFC juice.
Make a home-made isotonic drink
A tip for people who are physically active. When you exercise, your water requirement increases. People who work out regularly are advised to consume isotonic drinks. When drunk during exercise, they effectively prevent dehydration, and also replenish electrolyte deficiencies and act as a source of energy for the engaged muscles. The recipe for a home-made isotonic drink is quite simple: it is made of water, citrus fruit juice, a pinch of salt and some additions. It’s easy to make and will be healthier than its store-bought counterpart.
Drink herbal infusions
They have excellent hydrating properties and absorb very quickly. So a mint, sweet balm, chamomile or nettle infusion is a great idea. In the summer, you can make them beforehand, chill and serve with ice.
Ice tea
Tea is also hydrating. Choose your favourite and add some fruit juice (nectarine or strawberry, for instance), or toss in some citrus fruit. It is excellent in hot weather!
Make a smoothie
A smoothie with plant or cow's milk is a great thing to have for early lunch, and by chance, it is wonderfully hydrating. Remember that aside from fruit, you can add lettuce (butterhead lettuce is a perfect choice), cucumbers, spinach and other vegetables.
Eat soup, hot or cold!
Cold and hot soups are mostly water. On top of that, hot soup warms you up in winter, while cold soup refreshes you in summer. These simple and delicious meals should be on your menu every day.