There are many good reasons to drink plenty of water. It aids digestion, helps brain function and regulated body temperature among plenty of other things. Therefore, it goes without saying that we need to drink plenty of water to maintain a healthy balance and ensure the body functions well.
But what about the skin’s health?
The skin, just like other organs in the body is made up of wells, which is made up of water. Therefore, without water, the skin also cannot function properly.
Hydration is your greatest health and beauty weapon.
Water has a number of ways it can impact the way we look. However, while most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water, this can be easier said than done. If you are struggling to keep hydrated, we have listed a number of simple tips and tricks to trick your body into developing a healthy habit of drinking more water.
We will show you some creative ways to make your water more interesting and also ways to remember to drink your water.
Check out our hydration hacks to keep your glass half full and your body happy and hydrated all day long.
How does The Amount of Water You Drink Affect the Skin?
Moisturizing the skin both internally and externally are both critical for healthy, beautiful skin. So, while drinking eight glasses of water alone won’t give you a glowing complexion, it is still one of the vital steps to take to keep your skin healthy. Here are some of the fundamental ways water affects the skin.
It Flushes Out Toxins
Drinking enough water can remove toxins, waste and impurities out the body to cleanse it from within. Your kidney’s need a good amount of water to filter out the impurities from your body. This ensures that your body receives the essential nutrients and oxygen to keep it healthy.
It Promotes Cell Regeneration
The skin is made up of millions of cells which function better when they are hydrated. Therefore, the more water you drink the better the cell productivity.
This can result in healthier and more nourished looking skin.
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It Prevents Dull Skin
Without enough water, the skin can appear dull, making wrinkles and pores look much more prominent. When the skin is hydrated, it appears plumper and therefore is less likely to crack and cause blemishes. If you are dehydrated, it will show on the skin.
Hydrated skin has more elasticity, therefore is more likely to look plumper and healthier.
How Much Water Should You Be Drinking
The optimum amount of water you should be drinking every day depends on a number of factors. This includes how active you are and how much you sweat.
But as a rough guideline, experts say you should be drinking around six to eight-ounce glasses of water per day.
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Warning Signs That You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water
Thirst isn’t the only sign that your body needs water. Your body will send you a number of warning signs to let you know that you need to increase your fluid levels.
So, keep reading to find out how to spot these signs.
Dark Urine
The easiest and most visible way to check if you are dehydrated is to look at the colour of your pee. Your urine should generally be clear or pale yellow. When you aren’t properly hydrated, your urine can become less diluted, and therefore appear a darker colour. So, if your pee is on the darker side, it’s time to grab a glass and drink some water.
Dry Mouth
When your body isn’t hydrated enough, your mouth and tongue can feel extra dry. This is because there aren’t enough fluids in the body to produce saliva.
Drinking water can lubricate the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat to solve this problem. However, if you are drinking enough water and this doesn’t improve after a few days, its best to visit a doctor to check if it may be a sign for something for serious.
Chapped Lips or Dry Skin
Your skin is the largest organ in the body, so if it isn’t kept hydrated, the signs will show on it.
Because your skin is in constant contact with the surrounding environment, it loses water faster than the rest of your body. This lack of moisture can cause the skin and lips to become dry and flaky. So, make sure you drink enough water and also apply moisturizer on your skin to keep the whole body nice and nourished.
Headache
Where there are many causes and reasons for headaches, dehydration is one of them. Our brains are made up of 80% water. So, when you are dehydrated, the brain tissue loses water, causing shrinkage and pain.
Lack of fluids can also cause lower blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can lead to inflammation that causes a headache. So, the next time you feel a headache coming along, instead of reaching for the painkillers, try downing a glass of water instead and to see if it helps first.
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Hacks to Consume More Water
Well-hydrated skin will result in a healthy and glowing complexion to not only make you look good but feel good too. So, here are some essential hacks for you to remember to keep hydrated and also find alternative and creative ways to increase your fluid intake.
Keep reading to find out how.
Start Your Day with Water
Instead of going straight for the coffee when you wake up, make it your morning ritual to start your day with a refreshing glass of water.
Your body becomes dehydrated when you sleep, so leave a glass of water on your nightstand before you sleep to remember to have it in the morning when you wake up.
Have a Glass Before and After Meals
Often our bodies can confuse hunger with thirst. If you are feeling a little peckish, have a glass of water and wait for fifteen minutes. The water will replenish your body and keep you satisfied.
Get into the habit of drinking water before and after meals a routine. This will also make you feel fuller quicker, helping you to eat less.
Add a Little Flavour
If you find plain water boring and tasteless, you can make it a little more interesting by adding some natural flavours of your choice. Instead of buying juices with artificial flavour agents, mixing fruit segments into your water can keep it exciting and fun, helping you to consume more.
You can switch up the fruit and it mixes it up to keep it different every time.
Sugar Swaps
Start swapping all your sugary beverages for water. Swap your coffee, juices and fizzy drinks with a nice glass of H2O.
If you can’t cut everything out straight away, cut down slowly and gradually by consuming a glass of water after your non-water beverages.
Invest in a Fun Bottle
It can be tough to remember to drink water when you are on the go. So, why not purchase a fun water bottle in your favourite colour or design? You will be sure to use it more and carry it around with you wherever you go.
Keep the bottle close so that it is easily accessible. Whenever you see it, you will be reminded to have a drink of water.
Make your drink sparkle
Say goodbye to ultra-sugary store-bought fizzy drinks and sodas and decrease them from your diet. However, if you are missing the fizz from your fizzy drinks, try replacing it with carbonated water.
You can even add some fruit into your bubbles for some extra flavour for your very own makeshift alternative to fizzy pops.
Mix Things Up With Other Beverages
Hydration doesn’t have to mean just water.
When you feel like having a nice warm beverage, herbal or fruit teas are a great way to get some water into your body and will still keep you nice and hydrated.
However, try to avoid green and black tea that contains caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Eat Your Water
Sneaking water-rich foods into your diet is the tasty approach to hydration. Water can come from many places, including your food. Many fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, melons, celery and oranges have high water content and other nutrients, which can contribute to water consumption.
The best approach is to consume these foods raw, as a lot of water can be lost once they are cooked.
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Keep Your Goal in Sight
Buy a large pitcher or container which allows you to see how much water you should finish that day.
This helps you to visualize and achieve your recommended amount while helping you easily keep track of how much water you have had, and how much more you need to drink that day.
Always have a supply at your fingertips as a constant reminder, and you won’t have to keep topping up.
Use your phone to remind you to drink
If you are having a hard time remembering to drink water during busy days, you can use your phone to keep track and remind you to stay hydrated.
There are several different apps you can download that allow you to monitor the amount of water you are consuming.
Or, simply setting frequent alerts on your phone will do the trick too.
Use a Straw
Drinking with a straw is more efficient as you can get more liquid with each sip.
Therefore, it can help you drink larger amounts in a shorter amount of time through bigger gulps and drinking faster.
Your water will be all gone before you know it.
Give it a try.
DIY Ice Lollies
For an easy and delicious treat and a great way to increase hydration without it feeling like drinking water, make your own fruit ice lollies. Fill some Popsicle moulds with water and your choice of sliced fruit and freeze them.
Super simple to make and hydrating.
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