(GIF Credit:  https://gfycat.com/sarcasticfittingaltiplanochinchillamouse-lifestyle-beverage-pouring-liquid-clear)

We are about to enter the dog days of summer, where hydration is necessary.  Getting enough to drink is important whether you’re working out, traveling, or sun-bathing.  Excessively drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain/obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay and cavities, and gout.  Those beverages may be sweetened with added sugars like corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, raw sugar, molasses, honey, malt syrup, etc.

Here are some tips from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about ways to increase your water intake:

• Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands.
• Freeze some freezer safe water bottles.  Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
• Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.  This can also help with weight management.  Substituting water for one 20-ounce sugar sweetened soda will save you about 240 calories.
• Choose water when eating out.  Generally, you will save money and reduce calorie intake.
• Try something new.  Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water.  This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.

Drinking water is a key to good health.  The next time you are thirsty, rethink your drink and choose water.