By Angela C Torrence, ASU Nutrition Student
Summer is around the corner; Arizona will be hot. As a result, do you feel the need to constantly battle dehydration? After moving west, I had to figure out what I could do to keep myself from feeling dry all the time.
One of the first critical moves was to carry a water bottle with me at all times. While water is a necessary part of staying hydrated, food has to become a part of the equation too, especially when you live in the dry West. The following foods are examples of hydrating foods which should become a part of your water-rich diet.
- Celery – Low in calories and high in fiber, celery is about 95 percent water. It can be a great and easy snack which adds water to your body!
- Watermelon – According to Live Science Contributor, Jessie Szalay, watermelons are roughly 92 percent water with a good amount of electrolytes to help keep you hydrated.
- Coconut water – An excellent fluid to hydrate and replenish electrolytes and potassium, keep your coconut water unsweetened to reduce excess sugar. Coconut water is good to help prevent muscle spasms and cramps as it helps to improve nervous system function too.
- Aloe Juice – Anti-inflammatory, aloe juice is mostly water with great hydrating properties. It can help promote digestive health and improve the appearance of skin.
- Chia Seeds – These little seeds can absorb about 10x their weight in water and can help prolong hydration by holding onto water and electrolytes. You should pre-soak the chia before consuming in order to keep the hydrating properties. Naturally high in omega 3s and soluble fiber, this superfood can be a great addition to your diet!
While nothing can replace water, these foods can help supplement your body’s hydration and help you keep your moisture.