We have been repeatedly told about the importance of drinking water and the side effects of dehydration in winter. Right from our skin becoming dry to having kidney stones if our body doesn’t get much water, we have heard it all. Still, some of us struggle with drinking water. Some simply forget to have water. Some don’t like the taste of plain water. Well, you can make your plain water delicious and healthy! Just add the right ingredients to your plain water and drink it up to stay hydrated.

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to water. Needless to say, there are many myths about drinking water.

HeathShots reached out to holistic health coach Azhar Ali Sayed to find out how can you stay hydrated if you hate drinking plain water. But first, let’s find out the signs of dehydration.

Here are some of signs of dehydration

1. You often feel thirsty

One of the most common signs of dehydration is feeling thirsty, and if you are feeling thirsty then you are already mildly dehydrated.

2. You pee less frequently

If you don’t use the washroom much that means that your body needs water (how often should you pee). When you are dehydrated, your body tries to retain fluids as much as possible, says Sayed.

3. Dark yellow or strong-smelling pee

If the colour of your pee is dark yellow instead of clear or pale yellow and it smells strong, these are evident signs of dehydration.

4. Increased heart rate and palpitations

These could also be signs of dehydration because when the body is dehydrated, the heart needs to pump harder in order to supply blood throughout the body which happens because of decreased blood volume.

5. You feel dizzy

This happens because you’re not getting as much blood flow to the brain, says Sayed, who is the author of “Eat your cake, lose your weight.”

6. You have dry mouth

It is also one of the signs of dehydration as saliva production reduces with lower water intake.

Hydrating drinks to have if you are not a fan of plain water

Not everyone likes the taste of plain water, so infusing your water bottle with some fruit, vegetable or herb is a great option to add some flavour to your water.

Here are some healthy options of naturally flavoured water

1. Water with lemons

Adding lemon to water helps to digest food, supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C, and could help prevent kidney stones, says the expert. Lemons are a great source of potassium as well which can help in managing blood pressure.

2. Water with cucumbers

Adding finely chopped cucumbers is a double bonus as cucumber itself is over 90 percent water and it also helps you in losing weight as it results in keeping you fuller for longer. Cucumbers are a great source of fibre to help with better digestion and gut health.

3. Water with peppermint

It contains menthol which has shown in managing irritable bowel syndrome. If you have stomach aches and constipation issues, peppermint can help to treat them.

4. Water with watermelon

Watermelon also contains plenty of water and adding its pieces to plain water, gives it a good sweet taste. It also helps to stay away from the urge of having sweet beverages and thus, helping you stay away from empty calories.

Ways to increase your water intake

Try to increase your water intake by associating it with your daily activities.

• Drink a glass of water right after you wake up.
• Drink a glass of water every time you return to your desk.
• Drink a glass of water before every meeting.
• Drink a glass of water before going for a shower.
• Drink a glass of water before shutting your eyes at night.

Adding a variety of low-calorie drinks to your diet are great options to meet your hydration goals as well. Coconut water, lemon juice, buttermilk, bone broth, soups, herbal teas and decaffeinated teas like chamomile, rose, lavender, peppermint are great options. They all taste great and offer a good variety to your taste palate.

Those who simply forget to drink sufficient water, one of the strategies is to ensure that you always have water handy with you. That way, you will keep sipping water through the day. So, be it beside your bed, at your desk, in your car or a small bottle in your bag, carry it wherever you are!