Whether you’re looking to clean out your lung system or want to prevent a cough, keep these six refreshing, low-calorie beverages in mind when making resolutions this year.

One of the best ways to do so is by drinking more water. It may seem like common sense, but it can be difficult for those trying to maintain their health to remember exactly how much water they need each day to stay hydrated. So we asked two doctors — Dr. Jonathan O. Davis (D.O., Family MD), and Dr. Sohrab Ali Khan (D.O., family medicine physician) — who specialize in providing medical advice about all aspects of healthcare, what the latest wellness trends are, and how they help to maintain overall health, to share a few tips with Allure readers about how to add more fluid into their daily routine.


1 Get active to reduce fluids in the body One of the simplest remedies to improve intake is to walk longer. While physical activity does have an effect on our health, it doesn’t have a direct impact on the amount of fluid that we lose through urine. Since we lose over 60% of our fluids through our kidneys, the body needs to get rid of any excess fluid. In addition to increasing levels of uric acid in the blood, exercise can flush away sodium and potassium from the body. Exercise also increases our metabolic rates, resulting in increased flow of fluids throughout your body. If you have trouble motivating yourself to get moving, consider walking to work instead of driving. Walking consistently can also increase your heart rate which helps to encourage kidney function. Read more about exercising smart.


2 Drink up on coffee The next time you decide to munch on something in between meetings, try adding some black coffee. Studies suggest that it might actually give your energy the boost it needs to sustain itself during a busy day. Not only that, but research shows a caffeine dose higher than 2 cups per day may affect memory retrieval. When consuming coffee, drink it hot or at least half-full. You don’t want to overdo it if it makes your stomach upset. And while some coffee brands claim it contains added sugar, studies show that the quality of the product isn’t nearly as important as the type. That means many coffee chains now serve whole bean coffee that is free from artificial sweeteners.


3 Snack on nuts Instead of reaching for candy bars, reach for nut butter. According to recent studies, people who snack on nuts regularly have fewer cases of cancer and diabetes than those who don’t. Research shows that this fruit is high in protein, fiber and vitamins A, E and C, and low in calories so it can keep you full. Plus, studies show peanut butter contains powerful antioxidants that fight off cell damage and inflammation which can lead to improved blood circulation. Check out how to make healthy snacking swaps at home and find the right one for your appetite when shopping online instead of in store! Nuts also help to balance blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. Nut butter is great because it comes in almost every kind from dark chocolate to hemp butter. Try mixing them together to create tasty snacks like chia seed pudding and jelly bites. Or pair your favorite cookie recipes with a spoonful of peanut Butter Swirl to mix up your morning meal preparation. Read more about snacking swaps.


4 Add water in the form of sports drinks Many popular sports drinks contain large amounts of hydration as well as artificial ingredients like guar gum, corn syrup and maltodextrin. However, studies show that water alone is just as effective in reducing symptoms and clearing congestion as sports drinks. Water is especially helpful for athletes whose bodies produce less uric acid compared with non-athletes. But if you’re worried about taking too many extra sugars, read my article on the importance of sugar in hydration and why you won’t see results with most sports drinks.


5 Avoid sugary drinks With weight loss being top of mind for many, you may be inclined to treat calorie count and weight management with soda rather than smoothies. For those that are on diets, a “diet soda” may not be going to cut it unless it’s loaded with artificial nutrients. Consider replacing sugar sweetened sodas with hydrating and guilt-free non-calorie alternatives like unsweetened sparkling water and coconut water. These aren’t as fizzy as other flavored waters, so they’ll taste better without added sugars and carbs.


6 Switch up your flavor profile Although a new season is always welcomed in the world of food, it can be a challenge to ensure that you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables every day. But one easy way to boost your nutrient intake is by swapping out typical flavors for ones with more nutritional value. For example, apples have been linked to lower sugar consumption, so opt for apple cider vinegar as a replacement for sweeter iced tea or cocoa sugar in your diet if you prefer the sweetness of natural fruit.


The doctor will see you now


The doctor will see you right away if you have damage to your lungs or a serious illness like COPD or lung cancer. One or more of the following signs may apply to you: Pain in the airway (the path that air follows to get into and out of the lungs) See your primary care doctor if you have any of these symptoms: shortness of breath while doing simple activities; pain when breathing; dizziness when changing activities; persistent cough; wheezing when exercising; coughing while exercising. They can conduct tests to determine the cause or, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have your lungs checked if you have smoked in the past. The good news is that you can recover from the damage and monitor your progress during checkups if you quit smoking.


Keep Your Health Good :)