Medical experts recommend a daily water intake of approximately 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women. Water makes up about 70% of our bodies and plays a vital role in cleansing body organs like kidneys and liver. Good hydration enhances digestive system functions to prevent constipation and many bowel complications. Also, healthy water intake keeps joints healthy, revitalizes your skin, and is crucial for body temperature regulation. Below are five hacks you can use to boost your daily water intake:

1. Drink a glass of water before each meal
Develop a habit of sipping a glass of water before each meal. For example, if you eat three meals a day, taking a glass before each meal would boost your daily water intake by more than 800 ml. If you regularly make dinner or lunch, make it a habit of sipping water as your prep and cook. The subtle habits provide an effortless way of boosting hydration levels. As you become more consistent, these habits become part of your lifestyle.

2. Flavor your water
If the taste of water affects your hydration habits, it may be time to try out water flavors. Natural fruit flavors—such as lemon, lime, watermelon, and cucumber—can add a touch of zero calorie sweetness to tapped or distilled water and improve your appetite for hydration. However, you should be careful when choosing water flavors. Avoid flavors with artificial sweeteners and processed additives.

3. Get a water filtration system
While tap water is generally safe for consumption, not all areas enjoy the luxury of safe drinking water. Consider investing in a water filtration system if you have doubts about your area’s tap water safety. Fortunately, water filters come in various configurations, most of which are budget-friendly. Installing a point-of-use filtration system directly to your home’s faucets will help lower the risk of contamination by waterborne bacteria. Besides lowering lead and arsenic levels in drinking water, a filtration system can vastly improve your tap water’s taste. These filters provide a convenient, eco-friendly, and inexpensive way of enhancing water quality in your home.

4. Set reminders to drink
Like setting your morning alarms, you can configure your smartphone to issue reminders about your daily water levels. An application makes it easier to track your water intake against the desired target. It eliminates guesswork and helps nurture consistent healthy habits. Many reminder apps are freely downloadable and come with customizable interfaces to suit personal preferences.

5. Keep a reusable water bottle with you
Carrying a recyclable water pack everywhere is an effective strategy for improving your daily water intake. Reusable water bottles ensure you have access to water regardless of the situation. You can carry it to work, school, and when running errands. This easy access to water will offer an excellent visual reminder that water is available and you should drink it. Placing it on your desk or within reach will save you the energy and hassle of looking for water whenever you feel thirsty. More importantly, reusable water packs are more eco-friendly than single-use water bottles.