Beat the heat with these 4 tips for staying hydrated

Staying adequately hydrated is important for good health, and that can be especially challenging in warm summer temperatures.

Water is beneficial for a number of reasons: It helps lubricate joints, prevents kidney damage and regulates body temperature and blood pressure.

Adopting simple habits can make a big difference in your health, especially when you’re trying to drink more water. These four easy tips are your first steps to staying cool when it’s hot out.

1. Keep a water bottle nearby. You are more likely to drink water when it’s readily available. Storing water bottles at home and work will make it easier to drink as much as you should.
2. Cut down on soda. During the summer it can be easy to reach for soda, especially while at the pool or a barbecue. Soda can be refreshing, but caffeine can actually lead to dehydration. Picking an alternative is a safe bet when spending time in the sun.
3. Choose watery foods. Did you know that watermelon is more than 91 percent water? Strawberries, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce and raspberries are some other examples of foods with high water content.
4. Try fruit-infused waters. If you aren’t a fan of the taste of water, try drinking fruit-infused water, like this watermelon-mint recipe. Adding a little bit of mint, lemon or your favorite fruit to water can make staying hydrated tasty!

Watermelon-Mint Water

Ingredients

• 4 cups of 1/2-inch cubed watermelon
• 6 springs mint
• 2 quarts of still infused water

Directions

• Add your watermelon and sprigs to a pitcher and add water.
• Refrigerate two to four hours to allow the ingredients to infuse.
• Stir well, strain and discard the solids.
• Pour into cups and serve.

Recipe adapted from Food Network.