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Most everyone could do better in taking care of their bodies. Whether it's a dietary adjustment, avoidance of dangerous substances, or an increase in exercise, even small lifestyle changes can have a serious impact on the way you feel and function. One of the changes that could see the biggest improvement in Kansas City health and wellness is better hydration. Water is necessary for our survival, but many people are only getting the bare minimum of what they need. Hydration is good for every part of your body, from your joints to your skin to your brain. Water helps your body heal faster, lose weight more effectively, combat headaches, and have more energy, to name just a few of the benefits. Here are 5 tips for getting into the habit of drinking more water. Make Water Part of Your Routine You may need to actually do some planning to stay hydrated. Until you get to a point where sipping water throughout the day becomes something you don't really need to think about, try setting goals for amounts of water that you need to drink at various parts of the day. For example, you may want to add water to your routine for your mornings, meals, and relaxation periods after work. If necessary, you can even leave yourself notes or set alarms to remind yourself to hydrate. Add Flavor If your palate is used to the flavor and sugar in your other drink choices, water may actually take some getting used to. If you need to, ease the transition by drinking flavored water. It's best if you add these flavorings yourself. Herbs, spices, and fruits (such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, and strawberries) are all a good way to give water an interesting flavor. These infusions can be added directly or frozen in ice cubes. Check for Water Content in Foods Far too many snacks are high in salt or sugar, both of which can dry you out. If you need to munch on something to keep yourself satisfied between meals or stay awake while you work, opt instead for snacks that contain water. Fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, grapes, peppers, and cucumbers won't give you all the water you need for the day, but they will certainly contribute to your hydration. Get a Good Water Bottle You are much more likely to drink water if you have easy access to it. Rather than relying on trips to the sink or water fountain, pick out a quality, reusable water bottle and keep it with you. Cut Back on Other Drinks Drinking more water probably means giving up other types of drinks, or at least cutting back. Soda is one of the worst things you can put into your body as it can even contribute to dehydration as your body processes the sugar, yet many people get more of their favorite fizzy beverage in a day than water! When you reach for soda, sports drinks, or even juice, you are not only missing out on the benefits of water, but harming your body with the alternative. Whether you like to sip something while you drive, work, or get ready for bed, you will almost always be better off when you opt for water. When you are eating out, don't spend the extra money on a drink. Simply ask for water. Over time, this will be beneficial to both your wallet and your overall health. And the longer you go, the more natural and automatic it will feel to choose water! An increased water intake is one of the simplest and easiest ways to improve Kansas City health and wellness. If you find that it is especially difficult to stay hydrated, talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you additional tips tailored to your own lifestyle and body and check for possible underlying problems.
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