Water is the most important nutrient for humans. Without water, the body cannot function optimally, but many people struggle to keep up with the recommended daily intake of water. Failure to quench your thirst for water can lead to dehydration, which is the most preventable medical condition in existence. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize the severity of dehydration and how it affects the body.
What Is Dehydration?
Without water, the body cannot function. Water comprises about 60% of the body’s weight, and most of it is found within bodily cells (the intracellular space). The rest of the water is in the extracellular space, which includes blood vessels and the space between cells. Dehydration occurs when the body eliminates more water than it takes in. Water leaves the body via sweat, breath, and waste (urine or bowels). Still, the fact remains that about 75% Americans are chronically dehydrated. This can lead to fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, sluggish metabolism, and kidney stones.
The best way to stay hydrated is to regularly drink water. Health experts advise that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. This will, of course, vary if you engage in physical activity. There is another way to hydrate the body, and that is via your diet. Many water-rich foods help to improve hydration, and they are included in the following recipes. Drink water or eat your water to avoid dehydration!
Hydrating Watermelon Sorbet
Time to cool off on these warmer evenings with a refreshing watermelon sorbet. It’s such a quick & easy recipe…and it’s delicious!
Click here to make the recipe.
Cucumber Lime Electrolyte Drink
Hydrating with this electrolyte drink before a workout may help prevent you from experiencing muscle cramps or spasms.
Click here to make the recipe.
Watermelon Cucumber Salsa
Watermelon is a classic summer fruit that can actually help you stay hydrated. The cucumber in this recipe also contributes to improved hydration levels.
Click here to make the recipe.
Easy Breezy Summer Gazpacho
This is a classic cold soup that is bursting with flavor. If you feel like getting spicy, add some more red pepper flakes, which actually helps to warm you up on a raw diet.
Click here to make the recipe.
The Best Homemade Electrolyte Drink
As you’ve learned in this article, most people don’t consume enough water to stay hydrated. Start drinking this DIY electrolyte drink that hydrates you better than sports drinks.
Click here to make the recipe.
Frozen Watermelon Cucumber Lime Pops
Dessert doesn’t have to be filled with sugar in order to be delicious. Take a bite of hydrating ingredients when you make these watermelon pops.
Click here to make the recipe.
Marinated Sliced Tomato & Herb Salad
Thick slices of juicy tomatoes soak up the intense flavors of onion, garlic, parsley, basil, and lemon in this zesty dish that is perfect for warm weather. It’s vibrant and incredibly versatile.
Click here to make the recipe.
