Staying hydrated is key for beautiful, clear skin. So, we try to drink the recommended 8 to 10 glasses per day. Some women are more extreme, and drink up to 3 liters of water per day. But drinking this much water might not be what your skin needs. In fact, it’s time to rethink how we hydrate. Instead of drinking your water, here’s why you should eat your water instead.

Why you shouldn’t drink too much water

Let’s get things straight. You still need to drink water, but over-hydrating isn’t doing you any favors. When we drink too much water, we throw off our electrolyte balance. And when sodium levels are too low, it can also throw off hormone function, including estrogen and progesterone.

We need these two hormones for clear, glowy skin. But if you drink too much water,  you could make it more difficult for both your electrolytes and hormones to stay balanced and do their jobs correctly. 

What it means to “eat your water”

Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad Skincare Inc. and Murad Inclusive Health Spa, knows a thing or two about skin. And he’s the one who coined the phrase “eat your water” years ago. 

According to Murad, drinking too much water leads to frequent bathroom trips and flushing the body of important nutrients, electrolytes, etc. 

When you “eat your water”, you consume water-rich foods that not only keep you hydrated, but also provide you with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber – all of which you need for clear and beautiful skin.

Water-rich foods include soups, celery, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, cauliflower, as well as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, melons and watermelon. And there are so many more water-rich foods to choose from!