Are You Drinking Enough Water?
This is a conversation I have multiple times a day at the office. And the answer is typically: “Probably not enough!” Why exactly is water so important in the body?
The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. A rule of thumb, 2/3 of body is consists of water, and it is the main component of human body. Most of the body’s tissues and organs are mainly made up of water: muscles (75%); brain (90%); bones (22%); and blood (83%). In addition, the functions of water in human body are vital: transportation of nutrients and oxygen; moisturizes air in lungs; helping with metabolism; protection of vital organs; absorption of nutrients better; regulation of body temperature; detoxification; and joint protection.
The harmful effects result from dehydration: fatigue, migraines, constipation, muscle cramps, irregular blood pressure, kidney issues, dry skin, and overall dehydration.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Here are some of the symptoms that you need more water:
Dark Urine: (Yellow or Orange in Color) or strong smell
Dry Skin: since it’s the body’s largest organ
Thirst: It is always a good practice to drink more water when your are not thirsty, don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Hunger: Hunger can be mistaken for dehydration. Drink a glass of water before eating more.
Fatigue: Water gives you a boost in energy.
Benefits of drinking water:
Lose weight: Flushes the by-products of fat breakdown; reduces hunger as an effective appetite suppressant.
Common Remedy for Headache: Although many factors contribute to headaches, dehydration is the common one.
Healthier Skin: Helps to replenish tissues, moisturizes and increases skin elasticity.
Better Productivity at Work: The brain is 90% water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.
Better Exercise: Regulates body temperature; more lubrication for muscles and joints; less cramps and sprains.
Aids in Digestion and Constipation: Improves metabolism and helps with daily bowel movement.
Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Flushes metabolites and boosts the immune system.
So, how much water should you drink? 8 glasses a day? More or less? Ideally, drinking half of your body weight in ounces would create a tremendous benefit. For example, let’s say you weigh 160 lbs., so you should drink 80 ounces of water during the day, which is 8 10-ounce glasses of water.
Also hydrating foods are great options:
Cucumber, celery, carrots, tomatoes
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple, apples, citrus (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
Lettuce, cabbage, spinach
Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.
Coconut water
Rooibos & Mint Teas
Now go forth and drink your water, folks!
Share your favorite ways to get all your hydration in the day!
