By Doris Obinna
Drinking plenty of water can help prevent bothersome dehydration symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue, improve muscle function during exercise and prevent undesirable hunger pangs and overeating. But what if you don’t particularly like guzzling plain water? Or wish to get more nutritional bang from your drinks, minus the excess sugar and calories in many sports drinks and juices?
This is where waters infused with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs come handy. The following simple recipes could add tantalising zest to your hydration habits and reduce the effects of common health problems.

Citrus and mint bloating relief
Everyone experiences bloating on occasion. This refreshing infusion of fruits and vegetables with natural diuretic, or fluid-flushing, properties may be just what the doctor ordered. To manage mild bloating caused by overeating, salty foods or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), add 2 sliced lemons, 10 fresh mint leaves, 1/2 of a cucumber, sliced, and two teaspoons of chopped or pureed ginger root to three quarts of water. Let the mixture stand in a covered pitcher overnight, then serve it hot or chilled (over ice).
 
Health-is-sweet immune booster
No matter what the season, keeping your immune system strong is important. For a way to boost your immunity from illness or heal faster from inflammatory infections, like sinusitis or the common cold, with flavour, add one cup of cubed pineapple, one cup of chopped strawberries and two peeled oranges to three quarts of water. The pineapple provides valuable amounts of bromelain, a chemical with anti-inflammatory effects. Strawberries and oranges are chock-full of Vitamin C, a superhero-strong antioxidant. Chill for at least two hours before drinking.

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Watermelon juice
Research has shown that drinking watermelon juice just before exercise reduces athletes’ heart rate and guards against muscle soreness the next day. For an ultra-hydrating pre-workout drink, swap out sugary sports drinks with water infused with fresh watermelon and mint. Simply add 1/2-cup of seedless, cubed watermelon and one tablespoon of fresh, chopped mint to a 20-ounce bottle, then fill it with water. Let it chill overnight for maximum flavour.

No-more-nausea citrus ginger
Ginger ale provides a safe, natural remedy for nausea from morning sickness, car sickness and other ailments. For homemade sugar-free ale, place six cups of water in a medium-size saucepan on your stove top. Add the juice from two lemons and a washed, peeled ginger root. Heat the mixture on high heat until it boils. Cover and lower the heat, allowing it to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink it hot, chilled or poured over ice for an anti-nausea tea. For sweetness, replace one lemon with an orange or add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.