Inspired Infusions to Beat the Heat: Your Summer Hydration Guide

Did you know when you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated? You lose water continually by sweating, digesting and even just by breathing, so it’s important to keep rehydrating. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses (or almost 2 liters) of water each day. An easy tactic for getting enough water is to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. Keep in mind: you don’t have to meet all your water needs by drinking it. Fruit and veggies have high water content and eating them can help you reach your intake goals.

Infusing water is a tasty way to add flavor without adding sugar. When you enhance water using fruits, veggies and herbs, you’re incorporating essential vitamins into your diet that help boost immunity and fight disease. Simply place fresh produce, herbs and/or spices in a pitcher with filtered water and pop it in the fridge to chill. For the most flavorful infusion, let your colorful creation steep overnight. You can also use naturally sparkling mineral water for a fabulous fizzy twist.

Want to test out your mixologist skill set? Try serving infused water at a summer party. Here are a few ideas for tasty combinations to get you started, as well as some of the benefits of these creative concoctions:

Lemon and mint: Weight management, vitamin C, healthy-looking skin, disease prevention, kidney health, fresh breath

Citrus, berries and mint or basil: Antioxidants, disease prevention, cholesterol management, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties

Pineapple, orange and ginger: Aids digestion, detoxification, vitamin C, improved immunity

Lemon, cucumber and lime: Appetite control, water weight management, decreases bloating, aids digestion

Sources

“The Big Benefits of Plain Water,” Mallika Marshall, MD, Harvard Health Blog, health.harvard.edu. June 5, 2016.

“How Much of Your Body is Water?” Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D, About Education, chemistry.about.com. June 5, 2016.