By Mayflora Ejedegba

The common piece of advice is to stay hydrated at all times but staying hydrated can feel like a boring routine sometimes. Yet, doing otherwise may affect the body water which is the total amount of water in the human body and is the primary building block for cells. While the actual average percentage of water in the human body varies, one thing is constant: more than half of your body weight is made up of water from birth (James Roland, 2019).       

Unlike your body weight, body water percentage is not measured always and so, it is important that people cultivate the habit of staying hydrated.

Here are seven ways through which you can increase the body’s water percentage:

1. Eat your water. You can get fluids through the foods that you eat asides drinking water. Soups and fruits with high water content – berries, citrus or melons – can contribute to fluid intake.
2. Imbibe the culture of moving around with a bottle of water. While driving, running, or working, keep a bottle of water handy. It will help with your hydration.
3. Watch out for water robbers. Shun caffeine-containing coffee, teas, and colas, along with alcoholic beverages, as these can cause your body to eliminate more water.
4. Spice it up! Adding things like chopped cucumber and mint, or a squeeze of fresh citrus, to water can motivate you to keep drinking.
5. Consume fluids before you are thirsty because by the time you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated!
6. Avoid crash diets that require you to stop taking water. You may weigh less but the victory is temporary because soon, the body will require the water again.
7. Order water when eating out, rather than carbonated drinks. This will keep you hydrated, save money and reduce calories all at the same time.

Maintain your body water and don’t forget to continually replenish your fluids!