Gased or not gased? That is the question you will get asked when you order a water in Europe. Initially we had no idea what that meant. We quickly learned that they were asking, do you want your water carbonated or not. Their water is typically served at room temperature without any ice. No wonder they drink so much wine.

Since summer has officially started, it is a good time to think about upping our water intake. Dehydration is the root cause of so many health issues. Think heat stroke, kidney stones and low blood pressure. As a nurse, I have started countless I.V.’s. It is often the first thing you do when a patient enters the emergency room. Not only do you need a line to give medications quickly, but you usually need to hydrate a person. There are a few exceptions when you don’t want fluid overload, such as kidney disease or heart failure, but the typical person is under hydrated.

Aside from health issues, there are many other benefits to drinking enough water. Our bodies are composed of approximately 60% water, so we need to keep it replenished. On top of that, it becomes harder for our body to hold onto water as we age. Water helps remove toxins from our bodies and prevents constipation. It lubricates the joints and helps regulate body temperature. Think of it as the oil that keeps your body running smoothly. Drinking plenty of water prevents dry skin and makes you look younger. An esthetician once told me that staying adequately hydrated was the key to keeping your skin looking healthy and supple.

Now grocery shelves are filled with a variety of flavors of gased sparkling water. They claim to have no additives, but their ingredient list states they are “naturally essenced.” I wonder what that means??? While I like the sparkling water served in cans, I would prefer making my own flavored non-gased water. It is fresh with a light taste, I know exactly what goes into it, it does not contribute to the landfills, and it is virtually free. No additives, preservatives, or calories. And the flavor options are endless. If you are using herbs, be sure to squish them up a little to release the oils before adding them. I bought a glass carafe with a lid to use as my flavored water container. Some of my favorite combinations are:

• lemon and cucumber
• strawberry and lime
• mint and cucumber
• watermelon and strawberry
• lime and mint

There are countless combinations. I think orange and mint would be fun to try. Maybe apple slices and cinnamon sticks in the fall? The best part is that you can just step out into your garden and gather some herbs and a cucumber or fruit and add it to your water jar. Experiment a little bit. I have not found a combination that wasn’t delicious and refreshing. Unfortunately, we cannot grow citrus trees in our neck of the woods, but cucumbers and strawberries are abundant in season. And you can grow herbs in pots almost anywhere. I use leaves from my mint plants a lot but if you grow your own mint, be sure to keep it in a planter. I planted some in the ground years ago and it spreads like crazy.

Have you ever arrived at a hotel or restaurant on a hot day and they have a large glass container of water with fruit and ice floating in it? It always puts a smile on my face as I beeline for it. And it is such a welcome, easy addition to do. So, make yourself a carafe of flavored water and go ahead outside and enjoy the sunshine. You will be delighted when you come back in thirsty and find it sitting in your frig.

Have a great, well hydrated summer!