5 Foods that Prevent Dehydration

We all know the 8x8 rule: sip 8 ounces of water eight times per day to stay hydrated. But Americans rarely meet this guideline, due to the rise in caffeinated sodas and other moisture-sucking beverages that make water less appealing to our taste buds. The results can be tiring, literally--not getting enough fluids can cause dehydration, causing your energy levels to dip.

Here's the good news: you don't need to drink water to stay hydrated. According to CNN.com, food also contains plenty of dehydration-busting fluids, accounting for 20 percent of our daily water intake. The foods richest in water are fruits and vegetables, which are naturally rich in fluids that hydrate the body. To stay hydrated, make some of your water intake food.

5 Foods That Prevent Dehydration

To prevent dehydration, add these five foods to your daily diet:

1. Watermelon. With a fluid content of 92 percent, this fruit is essential for preventing dehydration, one juicy bite at a time. Watermelon also contains plenty of antioxidant-rich vitamins, including vitamin A, B6, B1 and C. About a cup of watermelon yields 48 calories, so feel free to splurge.

2. Cantaloupe. As far as nutrient content goes, cantaloupe is your best bet--just one cup yields over 100 percent of the daily recommended amount for vitamin C and A. It also contains around 15 percent of your daily recommended amount for potassium, which also reduces your dehydration risk. As a water-rich food, it clocks in with just 2 percent less water content than watermelon.

3. Cucumbers. Its low caloric output makes it an ideal food for dieters, containing only 13 calories per cup. Aside from its naturally hydrating content, cucumbers also contain vitamin C, dehydration-busting potassium and dietary fiber, which regulates the digestive system.

4. Tomatoes. Although we're familiar with its use in Italian cuisine, this food is best eaten raw for its water-rich content, which accounts for 95 percent of its mass. It's also great for skin health: 3.5 ounces yields 22 percent of the recommended daily amount for vitamin C. It also contains plenty of lycopene, an antioxidant only found in tomato-based foods that may reduce your cancer risk.

5. Grapes. It's obvious this fruit is packed with dehydration-busting fluids, but what's not as obvious is its nutrient content. On average, grapes contain anywhere from 5 to 21 percent of the vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and K, with 191 milligrams of potassium. Grapes also contain an antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been shown to reduce the risk for cancer and lower blood sugar in animals.

Foods and Preventing Dehydration: How Much Should You Have?

While there isn't an official recommendation on how much food to eat to prevent dehydration, most experts agree: eat up even if you're not thirsty. It's easy to become dehydrated if you aren't monitoring your liquid intake, but it's rare to become too hydrated.

Sources:
Karen Ansel, "Eat your fluids to stay hydrated" (CNN.com; accessed July 15, 2010)