HydroJug Gallon Water Bottles

Gallon water bottles are one of the best ways to maintain your hydration. There are several kinds of gallon water bottles and customizable options.

Staying hydrated is one of the more difficult daily tasks to keep up on. Your body loses water while sleeping, so you always start your day about 10% dehydrated. Whenever you sweat or cry, you lose a significant amount of water. You've heard that you need to drink more water, but it's hard to remember to drink when you don't feel thirsty. Many people go about their day without even realizing they're dehydrated.

Since your body is 60-70% water, it's important to keep up on your hydration. Your body uses water to lubricate joints, cushion and protect sensitive tissue, rid itself of waste through urination, and regulate your body temperature. 

Staying hydrated will help your body with physical performance. It allows your body to sweat to regulate temperature. Hydration is also shown to reduce fatigue and boost energy levels. Staying hydrated can also help reduce headaches, prevent hangovers, aid constipation, aid weight loss, and help pass kidney stones. Overall, your body and mind are significantly affected by your hydration level, so staying hydrated is vital for healthy living.

How Can You Tell if You're Hydrated?

One of the most obvious ways to tell if you're dehydrated is the color of your urine. The better hydrated you are, the lighter yellow your urine should be. The darker it is, or if it's brown, you need to be drinking much more water. The amount of urine is also a good indicator of hydration. If you are urinating large amounts frequently, you can bet you're healthy and hydrated. If you rarely urinate and have very little of it, you'd better find some water quickly.

Fatigue is also a sign of dehydration, but hydrated people sleep better and longer. They feel less fatigue while exercising or carrying out their regular daily tasks. 

Dry skin or cracked lips are signs of dehydration. If your skin is losing its elasticity, there is a good chance of dehydration. An easy test to assess skin elasticity is to pull on your skin. The skin should return to its normal state very quickly, but if you are dehydrated, the skin may stay in its "tented" state longer. Dry skin and cracked lips can be symptoms of other conditions, so check for other signs that you're dehydrated. 

Headaches, light-headedness, and dizziness are all signs of dehydration. While some people are more prone to dehydration headaches than others, drinking water can definitely help. Some people get headaches after a long cry, and dehydration is often why. Lack of water can also lead to orthostatic hypertension, which is the decrease of blood pressure when you sit or stand. This can cause dizziness and, in extreme cases, fainting. 

Dehydration can also take a toll on your brain. Having an altered mental state or struggling to focus are signs of dehydration, which affects your cognitive performance. Dehydration can also contribute to irritability or confusion, poor memory, and bad moods. 

How Much Water Should I Be Drinking?

Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a rule of thumb most people follow. While this is a good suggestion, some people can get away with less water and some need more. The scientific answer is that men need 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) and women need 11.5 cups (2.7 liters.)

Your intake should be modified by your lifestyle or where you live. For example, if you live near the equator in a hot climate, you'll need to drink more water to combat sweating. The same is true if you exercise-drinking before and after exercise is vital. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also increase their daily water intake. 

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

The water in the United States is some of the safest quality water in the world. Tap water is regularly tested and regulated to ensure it has limited contaminants and microorganisms. In fact, it is actually tested more often than bottled water. Most bottled water is just filtered tap water. If you are still concerned about the safety of tap water, consider getting a carbon filter pitcher to filter your water without wasting money on the disposable plastics in water bottles.

Tap water is also extremely cheap, less than a cent per gallon. That's almost 2,000 times less than traditional bottled water! It is convenient and readily available in all restaurants and at public drinking fountains. While some people don't like the taste of tap water, this can easily be remedied by adding fruit or a flavor packet to make your own flavored water. Tap water also helps the environment by cutting back on plastic bottle packaging. 

What is the Best Water to Drink?

There are many different kinds of water, not just tap water and bottled water. For example, some people prefer mineral water or sparkling water. But are any of them actually better than the other?

Mineral water is pulled from a mineral spring and contains many minerals your body can't create on its own, like magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. However, mineral water tends to cost more, and you can also obtain its minerals through a balanced diet. 

Glacier water (or spring water) is supposed to be taken from the very source of the water before it becomes contaminated. This water contains many of the same benefits as mineral water, and many people prefer the taste over tap water. It's also easily accessible in stores. However, be sure to do your research because some spring or glacier water is considered raw, which is unfiltered and untested, and may not be as regulated as tap or bottled water. As this can pose a health risk, make sure you know what you're drinking. 

Sparkling water (or soda water) is carbonated water, which can scratch the itch of wanting something fizzy without the added sugar. While some sparkling water is flavored artificially, you can find plain sparkling water that is usually made of mineral water, which contains the added benefits from minerals. However, sparkling water is not any more beneficial to your body than any other water, and it is typically more expensive than any other kind of water. 

Distilled water is a great choice for anyone living or visiting somewhere where the water is contaminated. Distilled water is boiled, then the steam is collected and condensed back down to water, effectively purifying it. This makes the water completely safe to drink. Unfortunately, this water has no additional benefits beyond hydration. 

Purified water is usually groundwater that has been treated for fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Like distilled water, it is great for places that may have contaminated water sources. While it is treated for dangerous components, purified water also loses some of the beneficial components, like fluoride, which is good for your teeth in small amounts. 

Alkaline water has a higher PH than other waters, which is thought to help neutralize the acid in the body to slow the process of aging and prevent some illnesses. While alkaline water is safe to drink, it can reduce stomach acidity and (in excess) even cause metabolic alkalosis, which can induce nausea and vomiting. 

Well water comes straight from the ground, and is considered raw. However, that also means it hasn't been treated and has a big risk of being contaminated, particularly from parasites or harmful bacteria. You can get your own well water tested to ensure its safety, but unless you treat or test the water yourself, you can't guarantee its safety. 

While many people have preferences of which water to drink, no water is particularly better than another. As long as the water is safe and clean, they are all beneficial to your body by keeping you hydrated. 

Is Water the Only Option for Staying Hydrated?

The short answer is no. You can receive hydration from other beverages like milk, juice, or tea. Even soda and energy drinks, in small amounts, can help with hydration. Any safe liquid intake without excessive sugar will help you stay hydrated.

You can also get about 20% of your hydration from your foods. Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of hydration. Some foods, like spinach and watermelon, have significantly more water than other foods, so researching and eating those will help you stay hydrated.

Can I Drink Too Much Water?

While it is rarely a problem, drinking too much water can be dangerous. Sometimes it just makes you feel a little sick, but other times it can cause hyponatremia, which is when your kidneys cannot get rid of the excess water in your body. This can be life-threatening, and you should consult a doctor immediately if you suspect you may be drinking way too much water. 

Gallon Water Bottles

There are a variety of water bottles people can choose from to stay hydrated. These can vary from liter bottles, disposable plastic bottles, and more. However, one choice is growing in popularity: the gallon water bottle.

Nearly 60 million disposable water bottles are thrown away every day. To reduce plastic use and help the environment, many people switch to reusable water bottles that they can carry with them. With enough people doing this, we can make a difference. 

Gallon water bottles are also an excellent way to measure your water intake. A gallon holds 128 ounces of water, so the water costs less than one cent in most areas. Compared to a 16 oz soda that can cost a dollar, you are getting the bargain of a lifetime. Many people have accepted the idea that a gallon of water a day will keep them hydrated and feeling healthy. By carrying a gallon of water, you can easily measure how much water you've drank and how much more you need that day. You can also drink from smaller bottles, such as a half gallon water bottle twice per day, though the gallon bottle makes it easier to track your daily hydration. An excellent place to acquire a gallon water bottle is HydroJug.

Types of Water Bottles

Water bottles are typically made out of three materials: Plastic, stainless steel, and glass. There are benefits to each material, but ultimately it's up to personal preference. Fortunately, HydroJug makes all three. 

The Classic HydroJugs have a wide mouth opening for easy cleaning and an ergonomic handle. They are lightweight, budget-friendly, come with a flip-top cap, and are BPA-free.

The stainless steel model prides itself on insulation. It features a triple layer of insulation to keep your water cold for up to 24 hours without worrying about leaks or condensation. Its matte finish is soft to the touch and features a silicone base to keep the bottle from sliding on any smooth surfaces. This model sports a fixed, one-handed handle and a straw lid, which can be removed if you prefer to drink straight from the mouth. It is also hardy and more indestructible than other models.

The glass model comes with a wide mouth for easy pouring and ability to put ice in your drink. It comes with a removable silicone sleeve to protect the glass and provide extra insulation. The bottle comes with a fixed, oversized handle for easy carrying, and a detachable straw lid. 

What Makes a Good Gallon Water Bottle?

There are many things to consider when choosing a water bottle. However, the number thing to look for will probably be safety. Each material offers different benefits, but if you are looking at a lightweight, plastic water bottle, make sure it is BPA-free to prevent any chemicals from leaking into the water. 

A good water bottle is built to last, which means it will be durable and won't leak from the lid seal or other openings. Try tipping a water bottle upside down with the lid sealed to check for leaks. 

A good water bottle will have a wide mouth that makes it more convenient to add ice cubes and fruit, and it allows easy cleaning without a specialized brush. Many water bottles also feature measurement markings on the sides, which allows you to measure your water intake more accurately. 

The insulation to maintain the temperature of drinks is a must for many people, whether you want to keep coffee hot or ice water cold. A good water bottle will be able to insulate your drink with double walls and a vacuum seal. 

When considering a gallon water bottle, don't neglect the straw lid. A full gallon of water is heavy, and without a straw you will have to lift and tip the entire bottle back while drinking. A straw allows you to sip without moving the bottle at all. HydroJug offers straw lids and pop-cap lids.

Can I Put Other Liquids Besides Water in a Gallon Water Bottle?

Yes, you can. There are many options to check out, whether you're interested in taking your bottle on a hike or to the gym to work out. The only thing you need to watch out for if you're using anything besides water is to clean the bottle properly after use. If the bottle does not get cleaned properly, it can mold or become smelly, and would no longer be safe to drink out of until it is adequately cleaned.

Protein shakes are popular for pre- and post-workout routines. Your muscles need protein to grow and stay strong, so drinking one after a rigorous workout is a great idea for recovery. Protein shakes are also great in the weight loss department, helping you maintain a healthy weight and lose unwanted weight. Protein shakes ensure you get the protein you need in your diet without overeating.

Some people don't care for regular water and choose to enhance their drinks with vitamins, minerals, or flavors for a more interesting taste. Many vitamins and minerals are water-soluble and can keep your body healthy. Some water flavorings will add sugar or sugar substitutes to the water, so be aware of the added calories.

Sports drinks are great for anyone participating in an exercise that causes you to sweat. When the body sweats, it loses important electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Low electrolytes can cause muscle cramps and dizziness. Sports drinks are usually full of electrolytes to replace any lost vitamins and minerals, and a sugar boost to replenish your energy. Sports also replenish all the fluids lost during sweating to keep you hydrated. However, a common drawback for sports drinks are the sugar content, as they are usually way over the sugar intake recommended for teenagers and children.

Sodas and juices are high in sugar, and it's probably not a good idea to drink an entire gallon of soda in a day. However, they can give you an energy boost when you're feeling low through sugar and they can help keep you rehydrated. Just be sure not to shake the bottle to increase the pressure from the carbonation.

Coffee is often taken on your way to work. While we don't recommend drinking a gallon of coffee, it can keep you caffeinated. By making coffee at home and using a water bottle, you can skip the long coffee shop lines, the disposable plastic cups, and save money at the same time. However, it's important to know that coffee and tea are diuretics, which causes your body to expel water. Therefore, drinking coffee and tea can actually cause more dehydration.

How Do You Clean a Gallon Water Bottle?

Some water bottles come with a specialized brush that allows easy cleaning. However, some water bottles have wide mouths, which allows you to clean them easily without any special brushes. Hot water and soap are always easy, but dishwasher-safe water bottles are available.

Any sealable container will trap odors, so if you're finding that your water bottle is starting to smell, there are a couple things you can do. First, make sure your water bottle has been cleaned either by hand or in a dishwasher. If the smell remains, you can try filling it with boiling water and leaving it overnight. Some people choose to add a little baking soda to deodorize smells.

Another method is to crumple up newspapers inside the water bottle then seal it overnight. The newspaper can soak up the aroma. Some people choose to add a little extract of true vanilla. They shake the bottle until the inside is coated, then leave it for a while. The alcohol content will help clean and deodorize the bottle.

How are Water Bottles Insulated?

The most common way to insulate a water bottle is by a double wall with a vacuum seal between them. While there are other methods, such as silicone sleeves, this is the most widely accepted way to insulate your drink. HydroJug offers a triple-layer insulated water bottle that can keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours—and you'll never have to worry about condensation again. With the right insulation, you'll enjoy cold water all day long!

Can I Personalize My Water Bottle?

Yes. HydroJugs offer several personalization options from color, silicone covers, customizable lids, and more. There are also other accessories, like carabiners, that can be added to make a water bottle more manageable. 

How Much Does a Gallon Water Bottle Cost?

Depending on the material the bottle is made of and the customizations you add to it, a high-quality gallon water bottle can cost anywhere between $10 and $75. The metal water bottles will tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum. While this may seem expensive to some people, this is actually quite the bargain if you consider all the money you save by reusing a water bottle instead of buying disposable water bottles.