For many across North America, the “dog days of summer” usually imply the month of August. So let’s talk about your hydration for a minute.
Staying hydrated is something that you read about a lot in the wellness industry. Did you know that in addition to drinking Ionized Alkaline Water, you can help keep hydrated through the foods you eat? Yes it’s true, some alkaline foods hydrate more than others.
When you find yourself craving a healthy snack on a hot August afternoon, why not reach for something that’s not only refreshing, but hydrating as well?
A popular summer fruit that’s 92 percent water is watermelon! Watermelon is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and it’s an alkaline forming food! Watermelon has an alkalinity of 8.5 pH but because of its relatively low sugar content it is also considered to be slightly acidic. There are many fruits to enjoy but watermelon is one of the better ones as it has such a high water content and is extremely low in sugar compared to pineapple, bananas, oranges and even apples.
Other melons like cantaloupe and honeydew also contain a high percentage of water. Fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, and apples are also a great choice.
With more than 90 percent water, cucumbers are not only refreshing, but tasty too! Cucumbers are also a great source of Vitamin C, as long as you eat them with the peel on. Add them to a green salad, or eat them by themselves – either way, they’re definitely on the list of hydrating foods and are very refreshing on a hot summer’s day.
Believe it or not, celery is also comprised of mostly water! Approximately 95 percent water, celery is another great choice for snacking. It can also curb sweet tooth cravings, which will help you stay slim and trim, and also keep you away from acidic sweets, which don’t do your body (or your teeth!) very well at all! But sure to only use organic celery. (Remember this fact that non-organic grocery store celery is heavily sprayed and grown with pesticides.)
Other foods like tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, and spinach also contain more than 90 percent water; so making an alkaline food salad for lunch or dinner can be more hydrating than you think!
Of course, being conscious of drinking alkaline, ionized water throughout the day will help to keep you energized and hydrated!
Hydrating Acid/Alkaline Food List
Hydration is so important because every organ in our bodies relies on water to function properly. Drinking water is good, drinking alkaline, ionized water is vital to keep yourself hydrated. However, food also provides hydration, in fact about 20 percent of your daily fluid needs, according to the dietitian website RD411. Some foods are better sources of hydration than others. Knowing which foods provide the most hydration can make it easier for you to hydrate.
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods out there. It’s made up of mostly water, but it also has essential hydrating salts, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you need to replenish your body.
Cucumber
Composed of 95 percent water, the cucumber is a good hydrating food choice. A 4-oz. serving of cucumber contains just 7 calories and 50 ml, or 2 oz., of water. Not only is the cucumber a good source of fluids, but it is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Oranges
Like cucumbers, oranges also have a high water content, consisting of 87 percent water. A 4-oz. portion of mandarin oranges provides 110 ml, almost 4 oz., of fluid. Oranges are higher in calories than cucumbers, with about 40 calories in a 1/2-cup portion, but are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
Green Beans
Green beans also make a low-calorie hydrating food. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked green beans contains 20 calories and 115 ml of fluid.
Apples
Apples are also a good hydrating food. One medium apple contains 110 ml of fluid. Applesauce can also help you meet your daily fluid needs, with 110 ml per 4-oz. serving. Choose the unsweetened applesauce to limit calorie intake.
Berries
Also packed with water, berries contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help the body naturally detoxify itself. Berries also deliver tons of fiber, which can help you stay satisfied in between meals.
Red Bell Peppers
All bell peppers are hydrating sources of some of the best nutrients for the body. They contain vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta-carotene and folic acid. Red bell peppers are even better because they contain lycopene.
Pineapples
Pineapples are a delicious summer fruit. On top of the hydrating elements of pineapple, it is packed with bromelain. Bromelain has many health benefits, mainly helping with digestion. Pineapple is a great fruit to eat to help the body naturally detoxify itself and lose weight.
Organic Celery
Celery gets a reputation for being “negative calories.” That’s because it’s almost all water, and it takes a lot of energy to crunch and swallow! But the refreshing veggie also provides lots of mineral salts, vitamins and amino acids. Celery is a great snack to rehydrate and rejuvenate the body and the skin.
Green Salad
Most lettuce contains more than 90% water. So not only do green salads make for a delicious appetizer, snack, or lunch, but they also keep you hydrated in the summer weather.
Cabbage
Cabbage is an amazing vegetable to eat anytime. It’s known to lower cholesterol, and its packed with tons of vitamin C, making it an amazing beauty food. It also helps repair the body from the inside out. Incorporating cabbage into your diet can help you lose weight because its packed with fiber and natural probiotics
Carrots
Carrots may seem like a dense vegetable, but they are actually very hydrating. They are almost 90 percent water. And they have tons of beta-carotene, more than any other vegetable. Beta-carotene helps the eye sight, along with helping to protect against cancer.
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