How to Drink More Water

Proper hydration supports skin health, helps to maintain a comfortable body temperature, cushions and lubricates joints, protects the spinal cord, and supports digestion. While there are no general hydration recommendations, many lifestyle factors may affect your water intake requirements. Begin with a goal of 8 glasses each day, and work with your primary care physician or nutritionist to establish a healthy range for your stage of life and activity levels.

Mild to moderate dehydration may slow blood flow, which can impair physical endurance and cognitive performance, making it difficult to exercise or concentrate. Other symptoms may include headache, overheating, constipation, kidney stones, fatigue, dizziness, dry skin or eyes and feeling thirsty.

Drinking water may seem like the simplest answer to improving your daily hydration, yet it does get more interesting and flavorful than that. Flip through the following slides for tips on how to get more water into your diet, and why hydration is essential for all of us.

If sipping plain water sounds too simple, try infusing it with your favorite seasonal aromatics. Muddle your choice of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices in a large jar or pitcher, fill with water, and store in the refrigerator to infuse for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. Need a little inspiration? Here’s a combination for every season: sliced apple, cinnamon and clove in the fall; cranberry, orange and rosemary in the winter; cucumber, mint and lime in the spring; and strawberries and basil in the summer.