Drinking plenty of fluids is not just a summer problem but a year-round problem, BUT if we are immersed in a heat wave it becomes more pressing and necessary.
Our body needs liquid because thanks to it, and among others, we can perform key functions for the human body:
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Regulates and maintains body temperature
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Enables the transport of nutrients to cells
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Eliminates waste through urine, perspiration, and bowel movements
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Lubricates and cushions joints, protects tissues…
In addition, the lack of fluid at an initial level can cause us to feel lack of energy, dizziness, headache and general malaise.
But if we continue without drinking we could get worse to a fateful point. So much so that dehydration due to diarrhea is the biggest cause of infant mortality in the world.
It also helps to understand our need for fluid knowing that human beings are 70% water and that blood is the base from which cells obtain fluid and nutrients.
What are we drinking
On supermarket shelves we can find large number of liquid options to accompany our lunches and dinners. Juices, coffee, milk, sports drinks, energy drinks, spirits…. But as much as you love any of these alternatives, we’re sorry: The best option to hydrate is water.
It is the simplest, cheapest and totally sugar-free resource.
the water we provides everything the body needs to recover the fluids we lose when breathing, sweating and metabolic processes.
How much water should we consume?
It determines that:
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Adult males should consume 2.5 liters of water a day.
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Adult women, 2 liters daily.
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For children between the ages of 9 and 13, the recommended consumption is 2.1 liters/day for boys.
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For girls, 1.9 liters/day.
But these amounts may vary on some occasions. And if we exercise, live in very hot places or have a fever, we will have to drink more to compensate for the loss of fluids.
Of course, for many people it is not so easy to drink. Because they don’t usually feel thirsty (especially if they are older) or because they don’t like water.
And for those who are used to eating sugary drinks for lunch and dinner, the transition to water can be especially difficult and tasteless.
Ideas to “improve” the taste of water
That is why we recommend some very simple ideas on how to ‘tune up’ the water to give it a little flavor that will help your consumption.
Just 2 general ideas are enough to achieve a result that is as simple as it is effective… from the first sip.
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Adding lemon, orange, lime or grapefruit slices to it.
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Accompanying it with mint leaves, mint, ginger or any fresh aromatic herb.
Alternatives to water
But whatever we do, there are people who are not willing to drink a glass of water in any case, no matter how much we give it a mild flavor.
But there are also alternatives for them.
For example coffee and tea, which are healthy and recommended. And any of the traditional infusions, which are ranked as the healthiest drinks, after water.
Besides, andl coffee consumed in moderate amounts (2 or 3 American-style cups daily) can even reduce the risk of disease.
Of course, it is not suitable for insomniacs or for nervous people. And it is very important to remember that American coffee (aguadito) is not European, neither in color, nor in flavor, nor in the amount of caffeine.
As for the tea, is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
If we want to focus on the drinks shelf in the supermarket, we will also find juices and milk. But in both cases you have to consume them in moderation.
Juices are high in sugar, so whole fruit is best than its juice, although specialists do not reject the intake of a small glass daily. But no more.
And about milk, and opt for low-fat or semi-skimmed milk