​Tricks to increase water intake?

What do you find works?

For many, it's hard to get in the recommended 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. I too am finding that wearing a mask all day at work makes it harder to take time for hydration. I do carry a water bottle in my bag, focus on fluids when I get home, and try to drink a bottle in the morning before work and then with each meal...helps me eat less as well.

Benefits to adequate water intake:
- More energy - dehydration causes fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness. Sufficient intake can help improve energy and efficiency of muscles.
- Headache support - for some, increasing hydration can help ease a headache
- Improves digestive issues - hydration is definitely part of a healthy bowel (fluid, fiber, fitness). Water can also help with acid imbalance.
- Kidney health - dehydration has been linked to worsening of several kidney issues. Keep those filters happy with sufficient hydration.
- Sharp mind - dehydration slows brain function, and good hydration helps keep our brain sharp.
- Healthy, glowing skin - water helps with cell function and turnover. Dehydrated skin is dry, dull, and more prone to environmental stress.

If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated...and as we age, our sense of thirst diminishes so by the time you feel thirsty, you are even more dehydrated. Sugared and caffeinated fluids don't hydrate well so keep that in mind as well.

Try adding pieces of fruit to add flavor to water and instead of a candy bar for break, choose watermelon. Try sparkling water to change things up as well.

So drink up...cheers!

​Cindy Fehr RN(NP)