It is widely acknowledged that water plays a vital part in maintaining the health and well-being of the human body, given that approximately 60% of our composition is comprised of water. Regular activities such as sweating, breathing, urinating, defecating, and exercising can deplete body fluids, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper hydration levels. The benefits of consuming an adequate amount of water are significant and cannot be overstated. According to the National Academy of Medicine, the recommended daily intake of water for men is approximately 125 ounces. In comparison, women require about 90 ounces, with the specific amount varying based on gender.
How to drink more water
If you struggle to drink enough water, here are some simple ways to reach your daily fluid intake:
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Create a routine of drinking water
People are creatures of habit so getting into a pattern of drinking water helps. It is recommended to develop the beneficial practice of consuming a tall glass of water upon waking up and before every meal. Integrating these practices into your daily routine will gradually establish a habit of drinking more water.
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Get a reusable water bottle
As people, we usually want to reach our objectives. A good way to handle a big project is to divide it into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, drinking enough water daily can take a lot of work to keep up with and track. But if we have a good, reusable water bottle with us all the time, we can easily measure how much water we drink and keep a routine.
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Gulp water throughout the day
To increase your water intake throughout the day, try drinking five to 10 large gulps each time you take a sip instead of just taking small sips. This approach will help you consume more water without drinking more often.
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Flavor your water
Lots of people need to drink more water because they find it boring. But don’t worry! There are plenty of cheap ways to make your water taste better. Some people use powdered flavors, but those often have fake ingredients. A better, more natural option is to add fruit to your water. For a more flavorful drink, add a small handful of fresh raspberries and a bit of mint or cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
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Eat foods high in water
Did you know some foods, like cantaloupe and lettuce, have high water content? Adding these to your diet can help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Choose a water bottle you love
Here’s a helpful tip: try carrying a water bottle you enjoy using wherever you go. This way, you’ll always have water at your fingertips, whether at work, on your way somewhere, or just chilling at home. Staying hydrated is super important for your health, and having your water bottle nearby helps you drink enough water throughout the day. So, choose a water bottle you love and make it a habit to bring it with you!
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.