Foods to Stay Hydrated

Ever get mysterious headaches, or feel exhausted for no reason? Who doesn’t, right? Believe it or not, these are common symptoms of dehydration. Feel hungry, but you know you just ate? More likely than not, that’s your body asking for more water, too. If you’re waiting until you’re thirsty, chances are you aren’t getting all the water you need. Our bodies are great at hiding signs of mild dehydration…so by the time you’re craving a drink, you’re likely already dehydrated.

We all know we need to stay hydrated, but getting those 8 glasses a day can feel daunting to say the least. But according to researchers at the University of Aberdeen Medical school, some fruits and veggies may hydrate your body twice as fast! From watermelon to cucumbers, water-rich produce combines mineral salts, natural sugars, amino acids and vitamins…making them closer to a sports drink than a glass of water. But, you know, minus the artificial flavours and colours – and with added natural fibre to keep you feeling full.

Whether you’re working out or just running errands on a hot summer day, you’re losing electrolytes when you sweat – and water alone won’t replace them. For proper rehydration, you need to replace your lost body fluid with something similar in composition. That’s why the natural mix of minerals found in fresh fruits and veggies is so effective.

So what should you be stocking in your crisper? It should come as no surprise that watermelon is at the top of the list. At 92% water, this summer treat contains a great mix of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Plus, it’s packed with Vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene.

In the veggie world, the cucumber is always a safe bet. Thanks to a 96% water content and a healthy mix of minerals, cukes can hydrate you twice as effectively as water. And eating two or three mineral-rich celery sticks will replenish your levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. How impressive is that?

Want to mix it up? You still can’t go wrong with zucchini, radishes, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, melons…and the list goes on. Meaning your favourite salad isn’t just a refreshing summer snack – it’s also a super-healthy post-workout hydrator.

For more informtaion, check out this fantastic infographic from PositiveHealthWellness.com.