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Better-For-You Thirst-Quenching Summertime Sips

Better-For-You Thirst-Quenching Summertime Sips Better For You Thirst Quenching Summertime Sips

Beat the Heat with These Better-For-You Thirst-Quenching Summertime Sips. Your pearly whites will love them too!

When the Summer heat and humidity makes you feel ever so sluggish and sweaty and your mouth feels dry like sandpaper, it's time to hydrate with an ice-cold drink. A few sips will put you on the road to feeling as good as new again. Whether you're enjoying a beach day or picnic in the park with friends and family; running, power-walking, biking or you're just out and about running errands, please remember to drink at regular intervals. Your life could literally depend on it. Dehydration can lead to an unwelcome array of nasty health issues and you don't want that to ruin your Summer. This is especially true if you already are dealing with a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension or heart issues.

Hands down, the very best way to refresh your system is by sipping some good old-fashioned water. The bottled water that you buy at the local supermarket is fine. However, do consider filling your tumbler or thermos with TAP water. Yes, you read that particular bit of advice, right. Pure tap water keeps your mouth hydrated and has the added benefit of helping to wash away food particles which helps in the eternal fight against plaque build-up and cavities. Most cities have FLUORIDE in their water system, and, as your dentist will tell you, fluoride does a great deal to strengthen your enamel.

We hear you though. Plain water does get kind of boring. And, if you are attending a rooftop party, street fair or backyard BBQ, it's mighty tempting to indulge in a glass or two of who-knows-what's-in-it sangria, sugar-laden lemonade or Southern-style Sweet Tea, which is one of the ultimate sugar-bomb no-no's. But, the good news is that there ARE tasty, thirst-quenching, healthier alternatives out there that will give you a needed break from water. You just have to know what to look for. Keep in mind that sugar lurks in many beverages that you THOUGHT were good for you and this includes most of those popular sports drinks that you can't get enough of when working out at the gym or simply taking a stroll. Always read the ingredients label on the back of the can or bottle when you are shopping at your neighborhood grocery store or bodega. Surprisingly, a great many fruit juice drinks contain very little real juice but they DO have a WHOLE lot of sugar. So, swap out that artificial juice drink or syrupy, heavy can or glass of soda for something that will delight those taste buds and leave you feeling uber-refreshed.

Right about now, you might be thinking "How can sugary beverages harm my teeth?" We're so glad that you asked. After you've drank a sugary beverage (or for that matter eaten a piece of chocolate cake or snacked on a candy bar), these molecules, as it were, combine with saliva and the bad bacteria that is already in our mouth, to create plaque on your teeth. The harmful bacteria actually "eats"or absorbs the sugar we consume. The sugar energizes this bacteria, causing it to produce ACID. This together with plaque will eventually start to dissolve one's enamel, leading to tooth decay and CAVITIES. Ideally, it's best to brush your teeth two to three times per day, preferably after each meal. Besides processed sugar, you should also watch out for cane sugar, corn syrup, glucose and fructose when purchasing drinks. Make a real attempt to find beverages that are sweetened with NON-SUGAR alternatives such as XYLITOL and STEVIA. It will be well worth the effort.

One of the most refreshing alternatives to water that you can find is WATERMELON JUICE. Come on, when the sun is blazing and the temps are hitting obscenely high levels, who doesn't enjoy a nice slice of Watermelon ? The MVP of Summertime coolers, watermelon juice is easy to make. All you need to do is blend some watermelon chunks with water. if you like, throw in a hint of mint for a little extra flavor. Many dentists refer to watermelons as nature's toothbrush and they are right on point. First of all, watermelon is high in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent gum disease. This power-packed vitamin also assists in inhibiting the formation of plaque and tartar on one's teeth. By strengthening the connective tissues in your gums, vitamin C is a weapon in the fight against receding and bleeding gums. Composed of over ninety percent water and with a very low sugar content, watermelon (by the slice or in juice form), enhances saliva production and removes debris from your teeth. Because watermelon contains malic acid, which is known for its bleaching properties, it can also assist in whitening stained teeth. Other ingredients contained in watermelon are Vitamin B-6, Iron, calcium and fiber. So, what's not to like? Get that blender going and whip up a frosty cold pitcher of watermelon juice.

Cucumber juice is beyond healthy when it comes to both your oral health and your overall wellness. Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants which help to prevent or delay cell damage from oxidative stress caused by free radicals that can lead to diabetes and Alzheimer's among other maladies. Chock full of vitamin C, manganese and beta carotene, cucumbers also boost bone health. They are high in vitamin K which your body needs to form proteins that are necessary in making strong, healthy bones and tissues. The fiber in cucumbers helps to counter gingivitis and periodontitis. Believe it or not, because of their high water content, cucumbers can be your stalwart partner in overcoming dry mouth. To top it all off, cucumber juice has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that are really useful in reducing inflammation and preventing infections. Similar to watermelon, cucumbers stimulate the flow of saliva. Suffering from halitosis? Well, here's something to put a huge smile on your face : the phytochemicals in cucumbers work hard to eliminate the bacteria that can cause bad breath to develop. Pro tip: to make your cucumber water more flavorful, try mixing in a few fresh raspberries or purple grapes. Yummy and thirst-quenching!

Iced Tea is the go-to beverage for relief from the heat and it has been for decades upon decades. But, the idea is to stay away from overly processed, super-sweet bottled teas ( and PLEASE, do NOT go anywhere near those instant iced tea powders) and MAKE YOUR OWN pitcher of iced tea. Now, as any dentist will tell you, tea, like coffee, can stain your teeth. So, as always, everything in moderation. And, whenever possible, opt for caffeine-free herbal teas such as chamomile or green tea.

Among green teas helpful properties is the ability to reduce sulfur compounds in your mouth,thus combating bad breath. Black tea, though, also has some positive effects on your oral health. Studies show that it reduces the decay-causing acid and harmful bacteria that is in your mouth. Both green AND black tea contain fluoride, which is a major weapon in warding off tooth decay. When brewing that home-made pitcher of iced tea for your lazy Weekend Summer afternoon, use fluoridated tap water and up the ante! Of course, make a genuine effort to avoid putting any sugar ( even a teeny-weeny amount) into your iced tea. Instead opt for NATURAL SWEETENERS like raw honey, monk fruit, maple syrup or agave extract. Go over this topic with your dentist, primary care physician or nutritionist. They will certainly have some useful suggestions.

On a hot day, why not opt for a glass of ice-cold milk? The calcium and Vitamin D content found in milk is off the charts.Cow's milk also contains certain proteins that are great for your oral health, forming a protective barrier or film on your teeth's enamel. A very low-sugar alternative to traditional Summertime drinks is Coconut water. A typical serving has just 8 to 10 grams of sugar, so you won't be overdoing the sweetness quotient and it is quite refreshing. Now, we all love lemonade. And, if you make your own, you can control the sweetness level by avoiding sugar. Get creative and use sparkling water for some pop. Keep in mind, though, that lemons are acidic, which can lead to oral health issues, so don't overdo it. You might want to go for a glass of water over ice with a garnish of a lemon or lime wedge.

Do some research over the internet and you'll find scores of recipes for innovative Summer drinks. Just be mindful that great taste does not always equal good oral health. Stay cool, keep hydrated and enjoy your Summer!

 

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