Unless you are aware that you are actually thirsty, it’s easy to take drinking a glass of water for granted—and water is so important for good health. Without water or other healthful fluids your body will have a hard time releasing toxins. Every cell, organ and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. And water and other healthful fluids are beneficial for multiple health issues, including the condition of our skin, how much energy we have, weight control and more.
Healthful drink options vary, and there’s no reason to wait to enjoy them until your body tells you you’re parched. Herbal teas are a great source phytochemicals—natural substances found in fruits and vegetables that are believed to benefit health and reduce the risk of disease. And is there anything more refreshing than a just-whirled smoothie when you’re thirsty? From a watermelon-banana smoothie to a strawberry-peach smoothie, smoothies offer both water and healthy nutrients. There are many fruits high in water content: cantaloupe, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon and more.
Most of us have heard that we need to drink 6 to 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It’s important to note, though, that if you have certain medical conditions or you exercise a lot you may be at a higher risk of dehydration. Be aware of what your body tells you; you may need to drink more water.