Drinking water is an indispensable part of our daily lives. Many of us don’t realize how much it affects our day-to-day activities until we become dehydrated and suddenly stop functioning like ourselves. The importance of drinking water cannot be overemphasized or underestimated. Water helps flush out toxins, give us energy, promotes better skin, and allows us to have healthy urine and bowel movements. This article covers crucial tips to help you remain hydrated:

1. Keep a reusable water bottle with you
One remarkable way to avoid dehydration is carrying a reusable water bottle near you. You can keep a bottle in your car, work bag or backpack and refill it whenever necessary. This simple way of keeping hydrated is convenient because it requires minimal effort. You can also invest in a reusable bottle with a filter to ensure the water inside is free from contaminants. Getting one with a wide mouth that allows easy filling and easy cleaning is also advisable.

2. Drink a glass of water before each meal
You could also consider drinking a glass of water each and every time before you eat. Taking water before you eat helps reduce the urge to overeat and makes it easier for you to control your appetite. It also clears the digestive system from irritants and associated conditions for easier digestion.

3. Get a water filtration system
A water filtration system ensures you have clean and safe drinking water. Drinking water directly from the tap is not always advisable in every community as you might ingest harmful substances like lead or other contaminants. As much as you want to hydrate, try to ensure clean water is safe for human consumption. A sound filtration system will ensure the water is free from harmful chemicals and contaminants that can make you sick, and also improve the taste of your water. If you are unsure about the type of system to purchase, key features include water filters with an activated carbon filter, purification systems with silver or ceramic filters, a dual-stage filtration system with both a pre-filter and a first-stage filter.

4. Flavor your water
Many of us find the taste of plain water pretty bland, so much so that we turn to soda and sweetened beverages first. However, you can boost the natural taste of your water by simply adding some fruits or veggies (e.g., frozen berries, cucumber slices, grapes, melon, or lemon) or herbs (e.g., basil, mint, or lavendar) to make it a bit more appealing. You can boost the taste of your flavor maker by muddling it (or crushing it against ice) prior to pouring water into the glass or bottle.

5. Set reminders to drink water
Set reminders to drink water if you feel like you are too busy or tend to forget to hydrate. The good thing is that with our technology, you can easily set a reminder on your laptop or phone calendar. Or you can utilize several apps to remind you it is time to drink water throughout the day. These apps will also track your hydration status and create better hydration habits going forward.