Ways To Stay Hydrated if You Don't Like Water
We've all heard “the experts.” say that you need 8 cups of water a day or coffee stunts your growth.
Most of these wise sayings are just myths. However, our bodies need water as they constitute between 55% to 78% of water. The body lacks enough water to perform the key functions when you’re dehydrated. It's either through excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, or frequent urination.
Why Water is Crucial For Your Body
Nearly all the body’s systems depend on water to function optimally, and its absence may prove lethal within a few days. These functions include:
- Digestion
Water helps food move through the intestines to avoid constipation.
- Lubrication
Water produces saliva and mucus and is the main component in fluids that protects and lubricates tissues and joints.
- Transport vehicle
Water is the medium that carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells to support their functions.
- Temperature regulator
Water regulates the overall body temperature by helping dissipate heat. If the body becomes too hot, the water’s lost through sweat. The evaporation of this sweat from the skin surface removes heat from the body.
Despite knowing the importance of water, not everyone likes water, and not everybody feels thirsty enough to drink the recommended amounts. So how can you ensure your body stays hydrated for peak performance?
Tips To Help Keep Your Fluid Intake Up
- Track your water consumption.
Today, there are apps for everything; free apps that come on your phone or payable apps. Use these apps as reminders to help record your water intake. If you are not an app user or need to track your child's water intake, or the elderly, using a water bottle that marks consumption is an alternative to get a baseline of how much water they are drinking.
- Have a glass of water before meals.
Water helps the body with digestion. By drinking a glass of water before each meal, you will automatically drink three glasses a day. Sometimes, the body can confuse thirst for hunger. Drinking a glass of water before each meal may help you figure out if you are hungry, and as a bonus, keep off those pounds.
- Add a little flavor.
If you don’t like the taste of water or find it “tasteless.” Consider adding fresh fruit, drinking sparkling or flavored water, or adding powder or liquid enhancers to your water. Keep an eye out for added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
- Eat foods with high water content.
Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables with high water content. Options include lettuce, watermelon, celery and cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, apples, oranges, grapefruits, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, broths, soups, tomatoes, bell peppers, and coconut water.
- Don’t forget the electrolytes.
If you’re working out in the heat or sweating a lot, consider drinking fluids with electrolytes like pickle juice, sports drinks, or chicken soup.
The bottom line, every one of us is unique. However, all our bodies need water to function optimally, and as a rule of thumb, if you're thirsty, drink water. It's important to note if you are suffering from high-severe dehydration, seek immediate help from a doctor.
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