How to Drink More Water a Guide to Staying Properly Hydrated

You’ve probably heard the doctor-recommended advice that you should drink more water.  But if the thought of drinking six to eight glasses of plain, boring water fills you with horror, there’s some handy tips to help you take in more water in much more pleasant ways.

Tip #1 – Skip the Soda

It’s tempting to grab a can of soda when you’re thirsty, and for good reason.  Sodas are packed full of flavor and taste, and if you’re drinking low or no-sugar soda, it’s easy to down several cans and feel virtuous that you are increasing your fluid intake whilst respecting your teeth.

Unfortunately, both of the above are bad for you in excess.  If this is how you get all of your daily water, you’re storing up some big health troubles for yourself.  No-sugar soda, while better than the kind with sugar, still contains artificial sweetener, caffeine and carbonation, and this insidious combo actually leaches minerals from your bloodstream and bones each time you drink it. 

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to shed water, so after drinking a can of soda you’ll probably end up running to the restroom half an hour later – and be less hydrated than you were before.  The same thing applies to both tea and coffee.  Artificial sweetener has also been linked to increased cancer risks, although scientists are still at loggerheads about how and why.

Tip#2 – Juice in Moderation

Fruit juice’s healthy image is currently under siege from experts and mothers who claim that the natural sugars in juice rot your teeth.  While this is true to a certain extent, drinking fruit juice is still more healthy than drinking soda.  Choose fresh juice, not juice from concentrate, for the most health benefits.

Be aware, however, that along with the water in the juice, you’re also getting a whopping dose of pure fruit sugar with your fluid, which can cause weight gain and a temporary spike in blood sugar.  Constant juice-drinking can contribute to diabetes and dental caries, so drink your juice in moderation, keep your teeth clean and you’ll be fine.

Tip#3 – To Dilute is Divine

One of the best tips for increasing your daily fluid intake is to dilute fresh fruit juice in water.  Just add a splash of juice to the water in your fridge or in the kid’s bottled water.  They’ll love the taste, and it’s not nearly as bad for your teeth as undiluted fruit juice.  Juice concentrate can also be used for those on a budget. 

At home, buy a Britta or PUR water filter jug and keep it in the fridge to remove any unpleasant chlorine tastes from your home tap water.

Tip#4 – Invest in a Bottle

A great tip to increase your daily water intake is to buy a one-liter plastic bottle (the kind you get at sports stores).  Keep it filled with water and have it on your desk at the office with a glass beside it.  You’ll be surprised at how often you unconsciously reach for it.  At the end of the day you’ll find that big one-liter bottle of water is most likely all gone.