4 Tips to Glass Skin this Summer
Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst — it's essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy.
With water making up about 60% of your body weight, it's no surprise what staying hydrated can do for you. And with your skin being the largest organ system in the body, being properly hydrated (or conversely dehydrated) can be obvious to the naked eye.
Every day, you lose eight to 12 cups of water through breathing, perspiring, urine, and bowel movements. Factors that increase your fluid needs include exercise, hot weather, high altitude, a high-fiber diet, and increased losses from caffeine and alcohol intake.
Here are just a few examples of the ways water works in your body:
Regulates body temperature
Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, mouth, and vagina
Protects body organs and tissues
Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
Lubricates joints
Lessens burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
Dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body
Some tips to keep your body and skin feeling and looking hydrated this summer:
Tip #1: Consume foods with a high water content - EAT YOUR WATER
Cucumbers are 95% water. Did you know one serving of cucumber has only 8 calories? Cucumbers are also a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin A. They also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
Tomatoes are a rich source of water as well. One cup of sliced raw tomato contains 170.14 g of water. Additionally, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.
Watercress is a powerhouse. This vegetable has a high amount of water1 and is surely the reason it is top of the list. Watercress is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.
Apples are 85% water. This makes them a perfect snack for staying hydrated. Apples also contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that supports brain health and reduces inflammation.
Celery is a healthy vegetable that is made mostly of water along with detoxifying phytonutrients. It is also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Lettuce is made up of over 95% water. In addition to helping you stay hydrated, lettuce helps with bone strength, vision, and sleep. Lettuce also contains nutrients like vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health and blood clotting.
Watermelon is a juicy fruit that gets its name from containing 92% of water serving. Watermelon is also power packed with beneficial nutrients and is a great source of antioxidants. Plus, it just tastes delicious on a hot day!
Peaches contain lots of fiber which makes them a filling food. They are made up of 88% water. Additionally, peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
Broth is a soup base made by simmering bones in water with seasonings. You can add vegetables to broth to make it extra hydrating. Consuming broth regularly can also provide essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support bone health.
Zucchini contains 95% water in just one cup! This is an adaptable vegetable — think zucchini noodles to zucchini bread. Zucchini is also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts immunity, and potassium, known for regulating blood pressure and supporting heart health.
Tip #2: Aim for 2-3L of water a day
Try Dr. Katie’s Life Water by adding a squeeze of lemon and pinch of salt to your water.
Tip #3: Apply hydrating skincare products
Here are our favorites!
Tip #4: Seek nourishing skin treatments focused on giving you that glow!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/index.html
Gupta. webmed. (n.d.-b). http://webmed.com/
Home. Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ 2q2
WebMD. (n.d.). Health benefits of cucumber. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/foo -recipes/cucumber-health-benefits#1
WebMD. (n.d.-b). The health benefits of peaches. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-peaches-health-benefits
WebMD. (n.d.-b). The health benefits of watermelon. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-watermelon
WebMD. (n.d.-c). Vitamins and minerals: How much should you take?. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/vitamins-minerals-how-much-should-you-take
WebMD. (n.d.-b). Vitamin & Supplement Glossary: Definitions and Terms. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/vitamin-supplement-glossary
WebMD. (n.d.-f). WebMD Health & Diet Reference Library. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/medical-reference/default.htm
WebMD. (n.d.-b). WebMD Vitamins and Supplements Reference Library. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/medical-reference/default.htm
