How To Stay Hydrated Without Drinking Water?

Water is an important part of our body’s daily routine. It primarily brings nutrients and oxygen to every cell, maintains the body’s temperature at homeostasis by dispelling wastes through perspiration and protects vital body parts like your spinal cord, tissues and joints. Its secondary but equally essential functions include the production of saliva, improving cognitive function, aiding in the breakdown of food, promoting collagen production, preventing dehydration and constipation, boosting energy and more.

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine lays down that, on an average, the general daily water intake should be 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for men. In this, about 20% of the water we ingest comes from food while the remaining comes from water as well as water-based beverages that we drink.

After reading so many facts you may probably feel like staying hydrated is a necessary burden. However, there are several ways you can make it fun! Here is a list of different ways you can include water in your diet without actually drinking it:

Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits are a terrific source of water since 80-99% of their composition is just water. Hence, they make for a very healthy and hydrating snack. Some fruits that have a heavy water content are strawberries, watermelons, oranges, grapes, etc. Healthy greens are a part of any balanced diet which is a good thing since vegetables like cabbage and lettuce contain about 90-99% water. Some of the most hydrating vegetables include cucumbers, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, etc.

Pro tip: You can also blend the fruits and freeze them into popsicles for a fun way to ingest them.

You can even use any of the water-retaining vegetables as a substitute or alternative for carbohydrates in your diet. For example, you can use zucchini noodles instead of ones made from wheat. This meal is very famous amongst health-conscious people and it contains 95% water. Moreover, if you make your sauce with tomatoes, then it becomes an even more hydrating and healthy meal as it contains about 90% water.

Oatmeal: Don’t be surprised! You can start your day off with this nutritious and filling breakfast that will also keep you hydrated. When the oats are cooking, they absorb a lot of water during the process due to which they swell up. A bonus tip is to add chia seeds to your oats as it also absorbs water and is very nutritious. If you feel like having a hot breakfast in the morning will overheat you during the summer then you can soak your oats overnight and have it cold in the morning instead. This also prevents loss of water due to evaporation and preserves the nutrients in the oatmeal.

Low Fat & Skim Milk: The body can stay hydrated thanks to the numerous nutrients, protein, and high electrolyte concentrations found in milk. Calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, potassium, phosphorus, and more than 91% water are all present in skim milk. Drinking a glass or two of milk during the day or after physical activity might aid in maintaining bodily fluids; however, individuals experiencing signs of gastrointestinal dehydration should refrain from consuming milk since it may exacerbate these symptoms.

Soups & Smoothies: If you're yearning for something substantial and refreshing to eat, try gazpacho or soups made with broth. If served cold, gazpacho will keep you cool throughout the summer as well as hydrated and refreshed. Similarly, you can blend up a smoothie with your favourite fruits, some water and yoghurt.

Tea & Coffee: This suggestion may sound confusing considering coffee and tea are often known for their dehydrating effect. However, one cup of coffee or a couple of cups of tea in addition to other water-based beverages aids in hydration instead of causing loss of water. It is only when you drink two to three cups of coffee or five to eight cups of tea that the process of dehydration begins.

Oral Rehydration Solutions: (ORS) Oral Rehydration Solutions are specialised formulas that are used for treating patients with diarrhea and vomiting wherein there is a huge amount of loss of water. They are water-based solutions and contain electrolytes like sodium, chloride and potassium which help in rehydrating a body that has lost fluids. You can browse through a gamut of options for ORS on Instamed’s website and app. We offer the product in various forms like powder, liquid and flavoured liquid.

You can also make your own ORS at home by taking 1 litre of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix it all together until the sugar and salt dissolve into the water.

Energy Drinks: Just like ORS, energy drinks also contain electrolytes them that not only hydrate your body but also give you a boost of energy. You can find great options on InstaMed’s website and app.

Special Note for Hikers and Trekkers: People who love going out to the hills for a hike or a trek will know that the water loss from perspiring is greater than normal. Hence, there is a dire need for them to replenish that lost water. It is recommended that they drink water before, during and after the hike. What is more helpful is drinking an isotonic sports drink that contains the same amount of sugar and salt as the human body.

Conclusion

Hydration is a necessary practice in our lives. Water should be your go-to choice to keep yourself hydrated and then the only variation to your required daily intake should be due to factors like your activity levels. However, there is no reason why you can’t add a little fun to your life!