How to hydrate without drinking more water

Many of us are told to drink more water. But water isn’t just found in drinking beverages – there is plenty to be found in fruits and vegetables and therefore hydration is achievable in other ways than drinking a glass of water.

Does water from food count?

Many people are under the impression that water only hydrates you if you consume it straight. But the body doesn’t mind where water comes from, as long as it is provided!

When we consume water in any form, it is absorbed into the body via the small intestine. So if you are chewing your food before you swallow it, your body can absorb it from foods.

In fact, a small amount of natural sugar can help with the hydration process, so consuming water-rich wholefoods could be just as beneficial as water. Dehydration can impair physical performance, energy levels and brain function to mention a few.

Water-rich foods

Water-rich foods improve water intake and therefore may prevent some of these side effects of dehydration. Let’s have a look at some plant foods that contain plenty of water as well as other vital nutrients.

Hydrating fruits

As the summer kicks in, so does a variety of seasonal and tropical fruits. The good news is that many summer fruits are full of water, with many containing 80% or more water.

• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe and other melons
• Grapefruit
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Pears
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Plums
• Tomatoes

Try this delicious Persian Watermelon salad by Teresa Cutter The Healthy Chef https://thehealthychef.com/blogs/recipes/persian-watermelon-salad

Or one of my favourite salads Tomato and pomegranate salad by Yotam Ottolenghi https://ottolenghi.co.uk/tomato-and-pomegranate-salad-shop

Hydrating vegetables

• Lettuce
• Zucchini
• Radishes
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Red cabbage
• Capsicum
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Carrot
• Cucumber
• Celery

Fatoush is a popular Middle Eastern salad containing hydrating foods such as cucumber and radishes. A great description of the salad and the recipe is found here https://cookieandkate.com/2018/fattoush-salad-recipe-with-mint-dressing/

The best part about water-rich foods is that they are lower in calories, but often higher in micronutrients. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like these can keep you fuller for longer. These foods contain magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium which can replace these minerals that are lost in sweating. Research at the Aberdeen Medical School found that post workout these foods were twice as likely to rehydrate than a glass of water.

Bonus ways to sneak in water

Looking for more ways to increase your water without a water bottle? Here are some more ideas.

• Eat soups and stews through the colder months. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try cold soups over the summer!
• Blitz some of the water-rich options into a smoothie. For example, you could make a watermelon and cucumber smoothie on a hot day. You can add extra ice to turn your smoothie into a slushy, which will also boost your water intake.
• Make your own icy poles with blended fruits and vegetables and some water. In a blender whizz 3 cups watermelon, 1 cup of strawberries and the zest and juice of a lime; place in icy pole moulds and freeze.

 

Staying hydrated is just one piece of the wellness puzzle. If you’re feeling fatigued, poor mental clarity or low mood, book in for a session. Call Davina on 0416016388 or follow this hyperlink to book online https://www.lapachamamanaturalhealth.com.au/

Further articles

• Health benefits of water https://www.lapachamamanaturalhealth.com.au/health-benenfits-of-water/

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9694418

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23966431