With a trendy coffee shop on every corner, we are surrounded by a huge selection of delicious beverages laden with sugar and caffeine. While such drinks offer a quick pick-me-up when we need a little extra energy boost, they sometimes lead us to neglect that fundamental fluid our bodies need: water.

Not only are we slowly dehydrating ourselves by drinking diuretics in quantity, but this dehydration only compounds the stimulant effect of coffee. Dehydration, even to a slight extent, causes levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) to rise. Combine this with the stimulant kick of coffee, and we are one frazzled, stressed-out mess.

Fortunately, proper hydration lowers the cortisol levels, will help to flush the caffeine, and allow our bodies to function properly at a much lower stress level. All it takes is a simple glass of water.

Of course, there are many people who just don't like the taste (or lack thereof) of water. Not to worry – fruit infusions can liven it up a bit, and even a nice glass of decaf iced tea will provide the same benefits. There are a lot of inexpensive options out there. So next time you're thirsty, skip the cuppa, and go with a glass of water.

Source: http://www.grannymed.com/news/food-and-diet/water-its-still-good-for-you