As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” And you’re also what you drink! It’s important for everyone to drink enough water, especially during these hot Montgomery County summers. We get it – it’s not always easy. You’re busy. You’re so focused on your activities that hydrating your body takes a back seat. Or, if you’re elderly, you may not even realize you’re thirsty since your sense of thirst can diminish as you age.

Why it’s important to drink water

When you drink enough water, you’re keeping your entire body well-tuned. Providing H2O to your cells keeps your skin supple, and your digestive system running smoothly. It promotes weight loss, prevents fatigue and brain fog, and even helps regulate your blood pressure.

All the structures in your feet benefit from water as well, say expert podiatrists Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. Water helps keep your skin moisturized from the inside, reducing your risk of dry skin and dangerous heel fissures. Dehydration can thicken your blood and make it harder for it to flow down to your feet. These two examples are especially bad news for people with diabetes. If you’re diabetic, we especially encourage you to promote good foot health by drinking enough water.

Here are 6 ways to get more of this vital element into your diet:

1. Make it routine. For example, start your day by drinking one full glass before you do anything else. Pour yourself a glass with every meal. Take a walk to the water cooler at the office every hour.
2. Keep a large water bottle at your desk and make it your goal to finish it.
3. Improve the flavor of plain water by adding slices of lemon, lime, orange, or mango.
4. Sip flavorful herbal teas.
5. Eat foods that have a lot of water in them, such as fresh peaches and watermelon.
6. Set the alarm on your phone to remind you to drink up.

Drinking water may not be enough to heal perpetually dry skin on your feet or cracked heels that hurt or bleed. When your feet thirst for attention, call us in Montgomery, Alabama at (334) 396-3668 or contact us for an appointment.