5 Reasons To Drink More Mineral Water If You're Diabetic
When you first received a diagnosis of Type 1, Type 2, or pre-diabetes, your doctor likely told you to choose water as your main beverage. Staying hydrated requires about 64 ounces of water per day, including mineral water with no added sweeteners. Learn five new reasons to keep your pantry stocked with healthy sparkling or flat mineral water when facing the health challenges of living with diabetes.
Better Glucose Control
A scientific study completed in 2004 showed a connection between consumption of a liter of mineral-rich water each day and a 6% decrease in resting blood glucose levels. The water featured plenty of sodium and chloride, but relatively low amount of minerals overall and no sweeteners or other additives. Talk to your doctor about adding this drink to your daily routine in order to enjoy more stability in blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Plenty of Calcium
If you're still in the pre-diabetes stage, ingesting extra calcium by sipping a tasty mineral water could reduce your chances from developing Type 2 diabetes. Two different studies established links between supplementary use of calcium and lower risks for diabetes in both men and women. Many mineral water products contain nearly 50% of your daily recommended dose of calcium for each day in as little as one liter.
Remember to add the amount of calcium you ingest from mineral water to the milligrams you take in the form of a supplement. Ingesting too much calcium on a long-term basis can cause some health issues too, such as increased risks for heart attacks and strokes.
Greater Tooth Protection
Anything that tips your mouth's pH level towards the acidic side of the spectrum puts your teeth at risk. Sipping a soda packed with sugar fosters acidity, as does the citric or phosphoric acid found in diet products. Other common culprits behind an acidic dental environment include:
- Coffee, black tea, and other acidic drinks with or without sugar.
- Fruits and candies with high levels of citric acid.
- Starches and refined carbohydrates.
- Sticky candies and other foods that stick on and between the teeth to feed bacteria.
Sipping an alkaline mineral water product washes away food particles and acids to keep your mouth cleaner, preventing both tooth decay and gum damage. Rinse your mouth by drinking a little water regularly throughout a meal with acidic elements, especially if you can't brush your teeth right after you finish eating.
Extra Hydration
Choose an alkaline mineral water and enjoy better overall hydration since it better matches your body's favored pH balance. Recent research shows that active individuals passed less water than a control group drinking plain water, showing a better retained hydration level. This is especially important for patients with diabetes because it helps protect the liver and kidneys from damage as blood sugar fluctuates.
Of course, finding water with a taste you like is also helpful for improving hydration levels. Anything that encourages you to drink more and in regular amounts throughout the day can help you stave off the risks of dehydration.
Improved Flavor
Many people find flavor-free and sweetener-free mineral waters more interesting and flavorful than plain tap water, especially when they are struggling to resist sugary sodas and fruit juices. A single slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber in your water adds natural flavor without any sugar or high acid levels. Mix up your hydration routine to make it fun instead of a chore.
Choose the right mineral water product to make sure it's supporting your overall health and not interfering with your diabetes. Carbonation is fine, but avoid additives and sweeteners. Stock up on a mix you like to make sure you have a healthy alternative when you get a craving for a different drink.
