Tips for drinking more water

Water is important for every cell in the body to function properly. The digestive system functions better with adequate hydration, preventing constipation. Water also helps flush toxins from the body, promotes good kidney function, keeps your joints and muscles lubricated, supports healthier and younger-looking skin, and helps regulate body temperature.

Mayo Clinic recommends this minimum daily intake of water:

• Women — 11.5 cups, or 92 ounces
• Men — 15.5 cups, or 124 ounces

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain people are at a greater risk, including infants, young children and people who work or exercise outdoors. In addition, older adults are more likely to become dehydrated.

As you age, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and the use of certain medications. Older adults also can have mobility problems that limit their ability to obtain water for themselves.

Increasing your water intake may seem easy, but it can be hard to remember to drink up.

Here are some tips for upping your water game:

• Flavor it.
  Add fruit to your water. Lemons, limes and oranges are tried and true. Cucumber, watermelon, strawberries and herbs also are delicious options.
• Tie it into a routine.
  Drink a glass of water every time you brush your teeth, eat a meal or use the bathroom.
• Eat it.
  Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, including melon, cucumbers, lettuce and celery.
• Track it.
  Invest in a high-tech bottle that connects to your smartphone and records how much you drink. Or set an alarm as a reminder and track your intake in your calendar.
• Challenge a friend.
  Kick off a healthy competition with a friend or your kids to see who can meet their guzzling goal most often.
• Take it to go.
  It can be challenging to drink enough water when you are on the go. Fill your water bottle before you leave home, and bring it along on your daily travels.
• Alternate your drinks.
  If you can't give up soda or juice completely, try alternating with water. Each time you finish a glass of water, switch to soda or juice and vice versa.

Follow some of these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones properly hydrated.

Liana Reiland is a Family Medicine nurse practitioner in Mondovi, Wisconsin.