We all know hydration is important, but how do we make sure our body is getting the hydration it needs? Does staying hydrated mean drinking water only? Surprisingly, no.

Keeping yourself hydrated consists of more than just drinking water. Drinking water is still vital and is the main component of staying hydrated, but along with drinking water, there are also a few other ways to stay hydrated.

How To Stay Hydrated

1. Add some flavor to your water.

If you don’t like the plain taste of water, try adding some flavor by using fresh fruits or vegetable slices, or even water flavor enhancers. Just be careful if using flavor enhancers since most contain sugar or extra calories.

2. Sip water before every meal.

Taking sips of water before every meal will not only help you to stay hydrated throughout the day, but it will also aid in your weight loss journey. Drinking water doesn’t completely replace hunger, but it does help you to feel full and satiated.

3. Use the help of an app to track your intake.

Since our use of technology is ever-increasing, why not use it to help you stay hydrated? There are various apps that you can find to help you track how much water you drink a day. You can even create reminders, if need be, to help stay the course.

4. Drink sparkling or mineral water.

If you’re looking for something a little on the fizzy side, instead of soda, try drinking either sparkling or mineral water. This will give you the fizzy taste you’re looking for while keeping you healthy and hydrated.

5. Eat foods rich in water.

Change things up a bit and consume water-rich foods. There are certain vegetables, fruits, and even a few dairy products that are rich in water. Water-rich foods are a great aid to drinking water.

Not only will you remain hydrated throughout the day, but you will also reap the benefits of the added nutrients and minerals.

In case you are wondering, here is a list of water-rich foods:

6. Utilize a marked water bottle.

Marked water bottles are a fun way to keep track of how much water you’re drinking visually. Whether you prefer the measurements to be in ounces, time of the day, or both, marked water bottles have you covered.

7. Carry a bottle of water with you.

Carrying a bottle of water with you is an excellent practice to obtain your daily water intake. This seemingly simple practice can help you to stay hydrated even when running errands or preparing meals.

It may be a bit challenging at first, but after a while, carrying a bottle of water with you everywhere you go will be natural.

8. Be mindful when drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Yes, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are liquids, but neither are helpful when it comes to hydration. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol are both diuretics, causing you to urinate more frequently. Frequent urination leads to you losing more water from your body.

The more water you lose, the less hydrated you become, which is why it is important to be mindful and even limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Or, at least, drink more water when partaking in caffeine and alcohol to replenish the liquids that have been lost.

9. Pay attention to the color of your urine.

One conventional way of keeping track of your hydration is to pay attention to your urine color. If your urine has a slight yellowish tint, this lets you know that your hydration levels are good. Now, if your urine is a burnt orange or amber color, this is a sign that you need to drink more water.

10. Invest in a water filter or a new reusable water bottle.

Water filters and reusable water bottles are a cost-effective way to stay hydrated. Instead of continuously spending money on bottled water, you can get more use out of water filters, pitchers, and reusable bottles.

You’ll have to replace the filters every so often, but you’ll be able to use these items more than once, which is more wallet-friendly.

Conclusion

Keeping yourself hydrated daily is very important. Even though drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated, daily hydration doesn’t have to be boring. If you get tired of drinking plain water, try something new by testing some of the practices mentioned.

Remember, we lose water when we sweat, go to the bathroom, and sometimes through breathing. And living in a high-temperature state increases the need for hydration. So, it’s important to stay on top of your hydration levels by replenishing any lost fluids.

If you have any questions or concerns about staying hydrated, or even about dehydration, contact your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

If you feel that you’re in need of urgent care due to dehydration, drop by one of our 10 locations or click here to make a Telemedicine appointment. 

The post 10 Easy Ways To Stay Hydrated appeared first on Quick Med Care.

The Science of Soap

Most viruses have an outer layer made up of lipids, more commonly known as fat. Water alone tends to wick off the fat, but soap will dissolve it. Soap and alcohol are great for dissolving that fatty outer layer. Think of them as the superheroes of the germ world.

Germs: The Struggle is Real

It comes down to how soap molecules are formed. One end bonds with water, and the tail end rejects it, seeking out oil and fatty-like tissue. Like a magnet, the tail tries to push away from the water and attaches itself to the fatty outer layer of the virus, trying to pry itself into it like a spearhead. Once the virus is broken open, it spills into the soapy water and dies.

Now, who knew there was so much drama involved in washing your hands?

The Science of Scrubbing

Water and scrubbing are important because they cause the sudsy bubbles to form, which is what causes the bacteria, viruses and other germs to attach themselves to the suds. Warm water bubbles and foams quicker than cold. While you can use cold water, you’ll need to wash for about 15 more seconds.

Washing for 20 seconds (with warm water, 30-35 seconds with cold) allows for this germ-obliteration to take place. Building up bubbles and washing every surface of your hands, trapping all germs in the soap molecules. Then as you rinse, the foam, along with bacteria and viruses, are washed away down the drain.

Now that you have the science behind hand washing down pat, you can understand how important it can be to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Be mindful of what you touch and wash your hands often. It’s a tried-and-true way to stop the spread of this horrific virus.

The post Why Soap and Water Defeat the Coronavirus appeared first on Quick Med Care.