Dehydration is a huge problem, yet 77% of American workers admit that they don’t drink enough water every day.
It’s not only them, however, who suffer from lack of H2O. Studies reveal that nine in 10 Americans suffer from dehydration.
For many of these dehydrated folks, it’s the “taste” of water that makes them shy away from it. Some just simply don’t like how it tastes (or in others, how it doesn’t taste like anything).
If you’re one of these people, it’s time to start switching to super water alternatives. Not only will these help you boost your water intake — some of them even have added nutritional benefits!
Ready to top up your body fluids the more enjoyable way? Then keep reading to learn about these superwater options you have!
Table of Contents
1. Alkaline Water
The pH level of water is a measurement of its acidity or alkalinity. The recommended level for human consumption is anywhere between 6.5 to 8.5.
If the pH level of your drinking water drops below 6.5, what you have is acidic water. This could be harmful, as high acidity indicates water contamination. Some of the most common contaminants in acid water are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
Acidic water could also corrode the pipes in your plumbing system. When this happens, the pipes could leach toxic chemicals that mix with the water. Drinking such water can cause stomach issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.
Drinking very alkaline water — as in a pH of over 10 — can also cause eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritation. In more sensitive people, drinking very alkaline water can also cause stomach upset.
However, there are potential alkaline water benefits to water that’s only slightly alkaline.
For instance, one study found that water with a pH of 8.8 may help people with acid reflux. It appears to deactivate pepsin, a compound said to be the main cause of acid reflux. Check this website for more facts and tips about heartburn or acid reflux.
Another study found that water with a pH of 8.5 to 10 may also help some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This level of alkalinity appears to be most helpful in managing diarrhea caused by IBS.
That said, it’s better to drink alkaline water than acidic water. One way to up your water’s alkalinity is through the use of ionizer filters. These are appliances that you can easily install at home.
2. Citrus-Infused Water
Cut up citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes and let it soak in water for a few hours. This is one of the easiest ways to make your own flavored water, which is both refreshingly good and healthy.
These fruits are a good source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that boosts your immune system. It also helps counter the signs of skin aging due to environmental oxidative stress.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, start infusing it with these refreshing fruits. Infused water tastes better than plain water, so it can help increase your H2O intake.
3. Frozen Pureed Fruits
Another technique on how to make flavored water is to freeze fruit purees. Choose fruits that are high in water content and use your blender or food processor to puree them. Pour the puree into ice trays and let it freeze.
Once they’re set, you can simply drop a few of them into a pitcher of water. As they melt, they’ll turn your regular H2O into delicious flavored water.
Watermelon, melon, mangoes, honeydews, and berries are some of the best fruits to puree. These are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
If you have kids, use ice trays with different shapes to freeze these pureed fruits in. Their cute shapes would likely make your little ones want to give them a try too.
4. Coconut Water
Coconut water — the liquid that forms naturally inside the coconut fruit — is 94% water. It also has very low fat and sugar content while being full of electrolytes. All these make it a great alternative to your usual sports drinks.
Studies back this up, with researchers saying that it’s on par with a traditional sports drink. It keeps you hydrated as well as sports drinks, yet it doesn’t contain added sugars or sodium. It also contains fewer carbs, making it better for after-exercise rehydration.
5. Maple Water
Maple water is the sap that flows out of the maple tree a few times a year. Like coconut water, it also contains natural polyphenolic compounds, prebiotics, and antioxidants. It also has electrolytes, but it only contains half of the calories that coconut water does.
Maple water may not be as widely available as coconut water, but it’s a worthy alternative to plain H2O if you can get it. You’ll find it sold under several beverage brands in supermarkets.
6. Herb Infusions
Crush or pound herbs like peppermint, basil, chamomile, or rosemary. Sprinkle these into your cold water, and voila! You’ll have an instant pitcher or glass of refreshing flavored water.
What’s more, these herbs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. Peppermint has also shown to help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Whereas chamomile has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
7. Afternoon Tea
Add some variation to your herb infusions by turning them into hot tea! Instead of crushing or pounding the leaves, you can simply let the whole leaves seep in hot water for at least four minutes. You can add honey to sweeten up the liquid a bit.
Stay Hydrated with Tastier, Healthier Super Water
There you have it, all the super water options that can help keep you better hydrated. They can help add variation to your meals too, what with all the fruit and veggie options you have. This can then can make your daily recommended water intake easier to achieve.
So, as early as now, try out these flavored and enhanced beverages! The sooner you do, the sooner you can reap their health benefits.
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