Water is an important part of our overall health and well-being, including maintaining good oral health. You may have heard of the “cardinal rule” that we should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. While drinking water is essential, we can also increase our water intake through the foods we consume. In this blog we’ll explore the best ways to consume water through food, providing practical tips for maximizing hydration, and promoting oral health.
Choose Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables
Having a variety of hydrating fruits and vegetables in your diet like watermelon, oranges, cantaloupe, grapefruits, and strawberries have high water content and are excellent sources of hydration. Like fruits, vegetables such as cucumber, carrots, spinach, and broccoli are hydrating options. Including these foods in your meals and snacks can help your overall water intake and promote oral health by stimulating saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and protect against tooth decay.
Choose Soups and Broths
Including soups and broths in your diet is a flavorful way to increase water consumption through food. Clear soups, vegetable soups, and broths are not only hydrating but also provide essential nutrients. They can be enjoyed as a light meal or a warm, comforting snack. Most soups are 92% water based. Soups tend to be loaded with salt, which helps the body retain water. Include a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to make them more nutritious.
Incorporate Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread, can aid in increasing water intake through food. These grains have higher water content compared to refined grains. When cooked or prepared with water, they absorb moisture, releasing it slowly during digestion and contributing to overall hydration. Including whole grains in your diet not only adds dietary fiber but also provides sustained hydration, which is beneficial for oral health.
Enjoy Hydrated Proteins
Protein-rich foods, such as tofu, lean meats, fish, and eggs, can contribute to water intake when prepared using hydration-friendly cooking methods. For instance, steaming, poaching, or grilling instead of frying or roasting can help retain more moisture in the cooked protein. Marinating proteins before cooking can also add flavor and moisture. Including these hydrated protein sources in your diet helps maintain muscle health, promotes satiety, and contributes to overall hydration.
While drinking water is an important and quick way to add hydration to your body, incorporating water-rich foods into your diet can further contribute to your overall water intake and may be easier than sitting around with a large water jug. By choosing hydrating fruits and vegetables, enjoying soups and broths, incorporating whole grains, and opting for hydrated proteins, you can maximize your water consumption through food and maintain a nutritious diet.
This approach not only supports hydration but is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Sufficient hydration helps to keep your mouth moist and promotes saliva production, which helps with various oral functions. Saliva helps to wash away food particles left in your mouth and in between your teeth, reduces acids, and maintains a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. When your body is dehydrated, saliva production decreases, which may cause dry mouth, bad breath (yuk), and tooth decay. Staying hydrated throughout the day can ensure a healthy saliva flow, which aids in remineralizing tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities, and promoting overall oral well-being. So, prioritizing hydration is key to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile.
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