Everyone knows drinking water is important for our health, but an alarming 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Whether you forget to drink or don’t enjoy water, making an effort to consume enough fluids is a must for maintaining a healthy body. But if drinking enough water is a daily struggle, there is good news: The foods you eat also factor into overall hydration.
There is a rule of thumb in the nutrition world that fluids should make up 80% of your water intake and the remaining 20% should come from food. Luckily, the 16 top hydrating foods are delicious, full of other nutrients, and will help you meet your daily fruit and veggie intake. As an added bonus, we’re shouting out the one hydrating food that soars above the rest that’s almost 97% water.
Why is hydration important?
About 60% of the body is made up of water. “(Water) helps maintain blood volume, serves as a medium for joint lubrication, circulates nutrients and beneficial cells and compounds, and is vital to kidney filtration,” says Carolyn Williams, RD, author of “Meals That Heal” and co-host of the podcast “Happy Eating.” Water is also necessary for proper brain function, skin elasticity and maintaining a normal internal temperature, according to Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, author, and owner of Shaw Simple Swaps.
Dehydration commonly occurs when you don’t take in enough water on a daily basis. Although it sounds insignificant, mild dehydration causes changes in the body that affect blood pressure, mood, and urine output. “As dehydration worsens, so does the severity and extent of effects,” says Williams. Severe dehydration may lead to cardiac arrest and can be life threatening.
How can I stay hydrated?
The most obvious way to boost hydration is to drink more water. “Think about the daily habits you’re already doing (like brushing your teeth), and use these moments as a reminder to drink an extra cup of water,” says Shaw. She also adds that if you don’t like plain water,…
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