Staying in tip top condition relies on many factors. As well as making exercise a part of your daily regime and eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated is particularly important. Dehydration affects your physical and mental health in a variety of ways. 

In the short term, dehydration can leave you feeling thirsty, dizzy and tired. Long term, dehydration can result in heartburn, arthritis, migraines, and high blood pressure, to name just a few health issues.

Getting those eight glasses of water per day isn’t easy. Many people don’t hit this coveted target but unbeknown to most, the fluids you need to maintain healthy hydration don’t have to come purely from your daily drinks. By including the following top water-rich foods and drinks in your diet you can enjoy all the benefits of great hydration.

Watermelon

Watermelons aren’t just for summer. Enjoying a regular slice of this juicy fruit can keep you well hydrated whatever the weather thanks to its 92% water content. It’s super healthy too as it contains fibre, antioxidants, and many vital nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin A, and immune-boosting vitamin C.

Those on a weight loss mission will love the fact that watermelon is low in calories. Its low calorie density leaves you feeling full for longer and reduces the cravings that often halt weight loss progress in its tracks. Other melon varieties, such as cantaloupes, are also full of nutrients and extremely hydrating.

Milk

When you think of rehydrating after a tough gym session, you don’t automatically consider downing a glass of milk. Milk is particularly hydrating, and contains proteins and sodium to ensure your body stays hydrated. 

Milk is very versatile too, meaning you’ll never get bored of a milk based drink. Check out these healthy milkshakes and smoothies to get started.

Strawberries

Satisfy that sweet tooth and stay well hydrated by enjoying a tasty strawberry snack or side. Strawberries are made up of 91% water, and contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also an excellent source of fibre.

Eating strawberries regularly has been proven to boost your health, with a lower risk of developing some forms of cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cucumber juice

Team two of the most water-rich foods and drinks to create a super hydrating hybrid. Cucumbers are naturally rich in water, boasting a 90% water content. 

Unlike fruit juices, vegetable juices (like cucumber juice) don’t contain the natural sugars that prevent complete hydration. As a result, cucumber juice or water is regularly used as a detox drink.

In addition to this, cucumber juice is packed full of powerful antioxidants as Organic Facts explains:

“Cucumber water is appealing because it possesses the floral, refreshing flavor of cucumbers, and is good for you in part because it contains B-vitamins such as folate, vitamin C, and essential minerals such as manganese and molybdenum according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Cucumbers also contain anti-inflammatory beta-carotene, flavonols such as fisetin, and various antioxidants, including cucurbitacins. According to laboratory analysis, cucumber peel contains silicon, which has a number of positive effects in the body.”

Peaches

Peaches may contain up to 90% water, but they’re also rich in many vital vitamins and minerals. Potassium and vitamins A, C, and B can all be absorbed courtesy of a regular peach snack. 

Peaches are low in calories and rich in antioxidants too. Add more peaches to your diet by incorporating them into your daily smoothie or using them as a salad garnish.

Filtered water

Nothing is more hydrating than good, old fashioned water. By opting for the filtered variety you can enjoy all the hydrating effects and a great tasting drink.

You can create high quality filtered water in your own home thanks to our water filters. With one of our filtering systems one litre of filtered water can be produced for as little as 3p. 

Filtered water offers a hydrating drink that’s free from impurities and unpleasant odours. Stay well hydrated throughout the day by choosing filtered water as your go-to drink.

Shop our range of drinking water filter systems right here and access great hydration at home.