Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Bursting The Water Bubble

Image courtesy of Rakratchada Torsap @ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'm sure you've heard the age old saying "drink 8 - 10 glasses of water a day" to ensure you are getting enough fluids to remain hydrated?

Does this still hold true?

A recent study, in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, highlights that when you are working out, the use of water alone is not a sufficient electrolyte replenisher.  The study actually highlights that the use of diluted fruit juices is not only a good substitute for a sports drink, but it is also economically viable. Certainly something to be aware of.

Another interesting piece of information, is that there are actually three sources of hydration within our daily diets.  They are:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Body processes (metabolic water production)

How great to know that you can literally eat your way to hydration! Yes, the foods that you eat must be high in water, so some examples are:

• cucumber
• citrus fruits
• lettuce
• celery
• tomato
• melon
• dairy products, including whey protein shakes, kefir and yoghurt

Foods that are high in water content, but also high in micro and macro nutrients and electroyltes have been shown to be of better use to your body for hydration, than merely drinking water alone.

One of the benefits of having good quality whey protein shakes is that not only do you rehydrate your body with water, but the full sensation lasts longer.  With a good quality, undenatured protein, your body is receiving satiation signals. This is great!  Feeling full for longer, allows you to avoid the trap of sugary drinks when you're feeling thirsty or hungry.

How do you know that you're hydrated?  Listen to your body. By keeping yourself from feeling thirsty, you are remaining at a hydration level that is suiting you.  We are all different sizes and weights, having differing exercise regimes and output, so monitor how you're feeling, listen closely to the signs that you may need hydrating.  Try to incorporate more water filled foods into your diet, to assist you in remaining hydrated.

Love that the healthy foods contain plenty of hyrdrating water, so keep snacking on the good stuff, stay hydrated and enjoy!