However you drink your water, guidelines state we should be drinking six to eight 250 ml (8oz) glasses of water per day. There is science to prove why we should do this. Such as - Water:
Delivers important nutrients to all our cells, especially muscles cells, which helps with muscle fatigue and boosts our energy
Helps with weight loss as it makes us feel full longer, without adding additional calories
Helps with digestion by moving the digestive process along and through the system. Helps prevent constipation and other abdominal issues
Detoxifies by moving toxins through our system faster and optimizes kidney functions. Inadequate hydration can cause kidney problems
Hydrates skin and is a good defense against aging and wrinkles in the skin
Keeps our whole body hydrated
I don't think I understood how important it is to stay hydrated until I did this research. Therefore, I'm going to share what I've learned on hydration.
Importance of hydration: staying hydrated by drinking water is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. It also helps improve sleep quality, cognition and our mood. Average percentage of water in our body is around 60% but can vary from 45 – 75% dependent on age and sex.
Symptoms of dehydration: Some of the most common are:
Dark urine
Feeling thirsty
Bad breath
Muscle cramps and fatigue
Headaches
Dry skin
Low blood pressure
Decreased sweat production or clammy skin
Elevated cravings for sweets
Common causes of dehydration: Not drinking enough water is the most obvious cause of dehydration. But there are a few factors that can affect our hydration levels, as well as how much water we should be drinking on a daily basis. This differs from person to person and can even change on a daily basis depending on health and lifestyle. Common causes include diabetes, stress levels, age, hormones, medication and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, activity levels and alcohol consumption.
How much water do we need – Most articles I read state we need to drink six to eight 250ml (8 fl oz) water or other fluid per day to stay hydrated. Some adults need more or less depending on how healthy we are, how much we exercise, and how hot and dry the climate is. We also need to drink more water if we are sick with the flu, have a urinary/bladder/kidney infection, are pregnant or breast feeding, doing high intensity activity, and women may need to drink more during menstrual cycle to compensate for elevated hormone levels.
Easy ways to get more water: Try drinking a cup of water:
When we wake up – our body is already dehydrated
Before each meal – will make us feel fuller
Before, during and after exercise – replenishes lost fluids
Keep a bottle of water with us – take several sips per hour
Kick up the drinking water – add slice of lemon, lime or orange juice
Try sparkling water if you are looking for carbonation, instead of reaching for a soda
Drink herbal teas
Add flavoured electrolytes to help replenish when working out
Set a timer or download a drink more water App. When I searched water tracker in Apple Apps there were lots of different options
Challenge yourself to drink more water and live life well always. 😊💦💧