We’ve all heard the advice that drinking 8 glasses of water per day is good for our health. However, most of us struggle to drink the recommended amount each day. According to one study, less than 25% of Americans partake in 8 glasses a day.
For those living with diabetes, proper water intake is even more crucial. Why is this? In this article, we’ll explore the link between water and blood sugar, and how important it is to stay properly hydrated.
Benefits of Water
To begin, let’s look at the benefits that water brings to our bodies. The principal chemical component present in our bodies is, you guessed it, water. Our bodies require water to function properly, not to mention survive altogether. Everything within our bodies relies on water to operate: tissues, joints, body temperature, and even waste removal.
We lose water constantly throughout the day via things like exercise or environmental factors. Lack of water leads to dehydration, which eventually causes our normal functions to operate at inefficient levels. Not drinking enough water can lead to things like lack of energy and brain fog.
By drinking enough water, we replenish our system, thus allowing our body and brain to function at optimal levels.
Water and Blood Sugar
For those with diabetes or anyone trying to prevent it, proper water intake is especially crucial. Water helps control blood glucose levels, and for people living with diabetes or those that are trying to prevent diabetes, blood sugar management is of utmost importance. So, how does water reduce blood sugar?
A diabetic body isn’t able to utilize glucose correctly to turn it into energy. This leads to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. IIf there are excess levels of glucose within the bloodstream, and not enough water to flush it out, the body may borrow from other areas like tears or saliva. If access to other areas is limited, that extra glucose will continue to build up, leading to dehydration.
In short, water helps flush out glucose located in the blood. This helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels due to the dilution of the built-up concentration of glucose.
Lack of Water
At the point where a body begins to borrow from other areas like the eyes or muscle tissue for hydration, the kidneys have already been working overtime. A lack of hydration will cause the kidneys to retain fluid, as well as hang onto unwanted glucose.
This sort of strain wreaks havoc not only on blood sugar levels but the health of your body as a whole. However, proper hydration can help.
Hydration is Key
We know that hydration is of utmost importance but you may be asking yourself the question ‘how much water should I drink?’
Your water intake levels may vary depending on your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a highly active person, your body may require more water to rehydrate to optimal levels. Maybe you’re someone who lives in an extremely arid climate. If so, you might also require a few extra glasses per day.
Each body’s needs will vary and hydration levels should truly be individualized. However, a good daily rule of thumb is to drink anywhere from 4 to 6 cups per day.
Bonus Options
Drinking plain glasses of water throughout the day can feel boring and downright hard to do sometimes. However, there are other options available to you in order to stay hydrated and keep blood sugar levels under control.
You can implement utilizing an online app to track your water consumption and set reminders. Or try habit stacking by drinking your water alongside everyday tasks. Getting up to check your phone? Drink some water. Getting up to make a snack? Drink some water. Taking your daily vitamins? Drink a full glass of water. Make it easy for yourself to get those glasses in.
If you struggle with plain water, try infusing your water with natural flavors. You can use fruits like lemons, limes, or strawberries to naturally sweeten it. Using herbs such as mint or basil can also add a refreshing layer, making it easier to get those glasses in throughout the day.
In addition to tricking your brain into remembering to drink water, there are products made to specifically help regulate blood sugar levels.
Food Innovation
Apart from merely drinking enough water to stay hydrated and ensuring glucose is properly flushed out of the blood, proper diet habits should be noted as well.
Companies such as Ingredia offer future-thinking foods meant to improve overall health via innovative dairy technology. A healthy lifestyle paired with proper hydration is key to the management of blood sugar levels. One particular functional food option that Ingredia offers is specifically meant to manage blood sugar levels.
Offered in the form of a digestive enzyme, Pep2Dia, a health ingredient with an active dipeptide AP, is designed to inhibit the alpha-glucosidase enzyme. This inhibition is what enables the regulation of blood sugar levels within the body. It is meant to be taken prior to a meal as a measure of prevention.
Balanced blood sugar levels mean our bodies are able to regulate glucose in a normal amount of time. Options like Pep2Dia are there to assist with that process.
Drink Your Water
Water and blood sugar levels are highly interconnected. When we properly feed and hydrate our bodies, we lessen our chances of both dehydration and diabetes among many other things. By maintaining proper water intake, you can keep potential dehydration at bay as well as reduce your chances of a prediabetes diagnosis.If you’re interested in learning about additional ways to help regulate your own blood sugar levels, check out Ingredia’s products here. Don’t hesitate to get your health on track today!