Everyone knows that when temperatures rise, staying hydrated is paramount. But even in late summer, which is just beginning to bloom again, or even in cold winter, it is important to drink enough water. Moisturizing skin products are of course always a good choice, but they do little for the skin if it is not also cared for from the inside out.
It is probably no news to anyone that our body is a complicated organism in which all processes are interconnected and that how we treat our body affects our well-being. When customers write to me that they suffer from dry skin and nothing works for them, I always first ask about their diet and daily water intake. Reducing foods that have a dehydrating effect seems obvious, but of course easier said than done. The biggest contributors to dehydrating foods are coffee, alcohol and sugar: most of us probably consume at least one of these on a daily basis.
But now to the obvious - the drinking behavior. We all know that drinking more water is one answer to dehydration, but it's not the only one, nor is it the most common. Eating foods high in water, but also high in minerals and vitamins can actually help your body retain water. Of course, what we don't want is that the water you take in is also excreted again.
We've created a small list of foods that are almost entirely water, while also containing nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and K, and electrolytes - all beneficial for water intake.
Cucumbers - about 95% water
Made mostly of water, cucumbers are incredibly refreshing. Not only are they high in water, but they also provide your body with potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Grapes - about 87% water
Not only are grapes rich in antioxidants and fiber, they're also packed with potassium. Snacking on some grapes for water intake and a healthy snack sounds pretty good to us. But remember that grapes also contain sugar and are best eaten as a post-meal dessert.
Strawberries - about 91% water
Unfortunately, the strawberry season is already over, but next spring will surely come. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and have also been shown to be anti-inflammatory. They are also rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Grapefruit - about 88% water
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and minerals including potassium and folate. Also, citrus fruits are a great source of fiber.
Coconut water - about 95% water
Rich in vitamin K, as well as electrolytes including potassium, sodium and chloride. This is a great alternative to sports drinks, which typically contain twice the amount of sugar.
I hope our little contribution could give you some inspiration for increased water intake. What other foods can you think of that could help us?