HATE THE TASTE OF WATER?
Stay Hydrated With These Alternatives
Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? It’s a hidden epidemic that many Americans fail to realize is happening. Most people need to drink at least 4–6 cups of water daily, but Americans only average 2.5 cups each day. This leaves them seriously dehydrated, and they get used to the feeling, so they don’t even notice it. For many people, the challenge comes from finding time in the day to drink enough water, while others simply don’t like the taste. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the taste of water, there’s good news. There are other ways to stay hydrated. Here are a few of them.
comprised mostly of water. Lettuce and cucumbers have 96% water content, celery and radishes have 95%, and cauliflower, strawberries, spinach, watermelon, and bell peppers are 92% water. Eating enough fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can increase your water intake by 2–3 cups without drinking anything. ICED COFFEE How often have you heard that coffee is bad for you and will dehydrate you? Coffee is one of the few caffeinated drinks that does not cause fluid loss. It’s also 98% water, so it’s actually helping to rehydrate you. Decaffeinated coffee is the best way to go, but you can get the same benefits by drinking regular coffee. Just don’t overdo it since too much caffeine can cause adverse effects. Limit yourself to one or two cups a day. COCONUT WATER AND DRINK MIXES Many people consume sports drinks to counter dehydration, but many of those are loaded with sugar and sodium, which both dehydrate you. Instead, try drinking coconut water. It has more potassium and fewer carbs and sodium than sports drinks, so it’s a great alternative to maintain your hydration levels. You can also try drink mixes that flavor your water and make it taste better. Be cautious of what you use, as many drink mixes contain sugar and caffeine, which can counteract your efforts.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Most of us already know how beneficial eating fruits and vegetables can be, but they also help us stay hydrated. Many fruits and vegetables are
The Secret to Faster Recovery?
A HEALTHY SLEEP SCHEDULE
There’s nothing better than getting a great night’s sleep after working a long day at the office. While getting a proper amount of rest can help us feel refreshed and alert, it can also help us recover from and prevent injuries. It’s recommended that healthy adults get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Start by ensuring your bedroom is dark and quiet, reducing your daily caffeine intake, and maintaining a consistent evening schedule. You’ll feel better physically and mentally once you have a healthy sleep schedule. If recovering from an injury, you must be extra diligent about getting the proper amount of sleep. Improved sleep will help reduce your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Stress is detrimental to the healing process as it causes our body to allocate energy away from healing our injuries.
and testosterone while you sleep to repair muscles and regenerate tissue. Additionally, we don’t need as much oxygen while we sleep, allowing our body to devote energy to building proteins and transporting fatty acids needed for healing. Sleep also plays a vital role in preventing injuries in the first place. When you’re on a healthy sleep schedule, you feel less tired, which reduces your potential for chronic pain. You’re also more alert, reducing your risk of injury in the workplace, at the gym, or while driving. One of the most significant benefits of proper rest is stronger muscles, as sleep creates a steady supply of proteins. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule gives you the best chance at a speedy recovery if you’re injured. It will also help you fend off potential injuries in the future. Put some time and dedication into creating a sleep schedule that works for your body, and you’ll quickly notice the phenomenal mental and physical benefits of proper sleep.
There’s also quite a bit of recovery during your sleep cycle. The body secretes growth hormones
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