Why Type 2's Should Choose Water and Stick To It!

“World Water Day, 22 March 2021, is about what water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource”. So what does water mean to you, especially as a person with type 2? 

We say water is the source of life on Earth. It’s the beauty of a river, the importance of the water, the food that we eat.  But the main thing is the role water plays in our bodies!  Let’s look at three benefits of choosing water over other drinks, and four tips for getting hydrated daily, as we take a minute to appreciate all the water in our lives. 

Choose Water Over Other Drinks

We know to drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation. We know that added sugars can be harmful, and artificial sweeteners can confuse our bodies and cause insulin spikes.  Truth be told, the only drink we actually need is water.  Here are three reasons why water should be the world’s favorite drink.

Water protects your body! Since our bodies are up to 60% water. A USGS article on water in our bodies states, “The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.” We must keep hydrated to regulate our brain function, body temperature and joint health.

Water gets rid of waste! It flushes out toxins, and supports your metabolism. Additionally, for type 2’s, water won’t cause changes in blood sugar levels and according to healthline, “Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine. The Institute of Medicine recommends men drink about 13 cups (3.08 l) of day and women drink about 9 cups (2.13 l).”

Water makes you look better! Staying hydrated helps you lose and maintain weight for a number of reasons. First of all, it is calorie free, as compared to other drinks and the metabolism support from above also helps burn calories. Many times we feel hungry when we are actually thirsty, so drinking water is a natural appetite suppressant! 

In addition to maintaining your weight, staying hydrated does amazing things for your skin! One of the biggest keys to a clear, firm, and moisturized complexion is drinking enough water. You can keep your moisturizers and skincare routine, but the truth is drinking water will reduce the toxins and plump your skin, making it one of the cheapest and most accessible anti-aging lines around. 

Get Your Daily Hydration With Water

It can be easier said than done to get your daily recommended amount of water. Use these four top tips to help you build a hydration routine that is enjoyable and easy to maintain!

1. Always, carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day; remember you need extra water on hot days, and days where you are more physically active or exercising.
2. Love your water - Add a wedge of lime or lemon, mint or basil, cucumber or strawberries etc. to your water! If you like the taste, the more you’ll choose water over sugary drinks and the more hydrated you’ll be.
3. When you’re hungry or before you eat, drink a big glass of water. Many people confuse being thirsty with being hungry. Additionally, serve water with meals, and choose water when eating out (less calories, more hydration, less money). 
4. Set a timer! If you are someone who forgets to drink your water, set a water reminder alarm on your phone, or fitness tracker.  You can also set goals to drink a certain amount of water a day, such as one cup and hour for 9-13 hours, respectively. 

So what does water mean to people with type 2 diabetes? It means maintaining a healthier body on the inside and the outside.  This World Water Day, we encourage you to take a look at the true value of water. As you go about your Monday you can:

• Make a concrete or mental list of all the things made possible by water
• Look at water saving tips and put sticky note reminders around your home
• Check out the World Water Day Website to learn more

Most importantly, join and share on our Facebook community, our free diabetes support group: Winning Type 2 Diabetes Together to share what water means to you.  Tell us your stories, thoughts and feelings about water.  Tag your post with #WorldWaterDay and #Water2me. Your voice will help shape the World Water Day 2021 campaign and will inform a document about what water means to people around the world.