Drink Up!
Drink Your Water!
We hear it all the time, but what’s the fuss about really?
Water does so many things in our bodies that it is impossible to live without it. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water and while it stays busy making out entire system function properly, we are constantly losing it. We lose water when sweat, go to the bathroom and even every time you exhale. That means you need to keep bringing in a new supply to refill.
The best way to stay hydrated is to constantly add water to your body throughout the day. If you try to drink it all at once it can overload your kidneys and more will get flushed directly out of your body rather than going to work for you. Now of course, there are foods that have high water content like certain fruits and vegetables. Plus, all liquids (other than alcohol) can help keep the body hydrated but plain old drinking water should be your main source of water intake.
What Does Water do for You?
Water helps your heart stay healthy, and helps your brain, muscles and kidneys function properly. Some specific ways that water works in our body is to:
flush toxins,
improve your mood and cognitive abilities,
make your skin look healthier,
keep your heart, kidneys and brain functioning smoothly
help promote weight loss
and reduce fatigues during exercise
reduce inflammation in joints and help prevent headaches
How Much do You Need?
According to Harvard Health, an average person without special medical needs should aim for 8, 8 oz glasses of water a day to stay healthy. This goes up as you sweat or if you are outside on a hot day. When you are active throughout your day and participating in regular exercise, you should aim for about half your body weight in ounces to make sure you are hydrated.
Tips to Getting It All In?
Your daily water intake is most efficient if you drink it gradually throughout the day.
Some easy ways to keep that water flowing are:
Try making sure you have a full glass of water with every meal
Drink a full glass of water whenever you take medicine
Order a glass of water anytime you are out socially and drink it before you order any food
Eat foods with high water content like salads and fruit
Leave a glass of water next to the bed so you can drink it first thing in the morning
Carry a water bottle with you in the car or keep one on your desk to make it easy
If you get a snack attack drink a glass of water before you start snacking
Carry a glass of water around a party with you and you will automatically start sipping from it while you chat
So grab a bottle, a glass or a big old pitcher and get to sipping!!
