Water and Hydration for a Healthy Body

STEPS TO EASY HYDRATION

The easiest habit for me to add was getting more and better HYDRATION. This means DRINK MORE WATER! We’ve all heard we need to drink eight glasses of water a day but water always seemed boring. However, now that I have been drinking over 100 ounces of water a day my taste has changed. I like it and my body expects it. Yeah, running to the bathroom frequently can be a pain but that goes away quickly. And, the benefits of good hydration are well worth it!

NOTE: If you are on medications you should always talk with your doctor before making changes to your health routine.

The Importance of Drinking More Water

Over and over again we hear we need to drink more water…but why you ask? Well, water makes up 55%-60% of our weight. Water is used in our cells, organs, and tissues to help our body regulate its temperature and maintain bodily functions. Because we lose water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it needs to be replenished regularly to keep our body running efficiently. You need to replenish it with the right liquid.

There are so many benefits to hydrating our bodies as nearly every function in our body takes place in water. ..

• Removes toxins & fat
• Moves nutrients & oxygen to cells
• Cleans kidneys
• Cushions & lubricates joints
• Helps convert food to energy
• Weight loss & boosts metabolism
• Brain function
• Prevents dehydration
• Healthy skin & anti-aging effects
• Helps with regularity
• Helps prevent certain medical condition (kidney stones, UTI, hypertension)
• It can even improve your mood!

I could go on and on with this list. Let’s just say, our bodies rely on water to function properly. Drinking enough water enough day can be a challenge. I have some easy steps you can take to improve your daily dose of water!

Best Ways To Get Your Water In

Now that you know why water and hydration are so important here are some easy ways to get it in every day. Start by drinking just one more glass a day than you already do.

Don’t wait until you get thirsty to get a drink because by then it’s too late. Your body is already experiencing the effects of dehydration. These can include being moody, sleepy, hungry, headachey, brain fog, and more.

Try out these easy ideas today…

• Drink a glass when you get up in the morning
• Have a glass before every meal
• Set a timer to drink a glass every hour
• Set out 8 bottles of water to drink every day
• Add lemon, lime or cucumber slices
• Get a pretty cup to drink from
• Drink a glass after every bathroom break
• Get a water tracking app for your phone

Now that you know how to get in all your water, here is what is best to drink. Clear liquids are the best which are included in the healthy hydration list below. Keep in mind that you should not be adding sugar, creamers or other things to them.

Coffee was once thought of as a diuretic but recent studies have shown it isn’t and has other health benefits.

Unhealthy hydration doesn’t necessarily mean its unhealthy to drink. Fruit juices and almond milk are good for you. But, because they are not clear, are not as easily absorbed into your body.

Alcohol, sodas (including diet), energy and sports drinks can dehydrate your body. And, because of the sugar effect on your insulin response, are not recommended.

Healthy Hydration

• Purified water
• Bottled water
• Reverse osmosis water
• Tea – preferably green
• Coffee – plain, no sweeteners or cream
• Calorie-free infused water
• Sparkling water

Unhealthy Hydration

• Fruit juice
• Soda
• Almond, coconut or soy milk
• Diet soda
• Energy drinks
• Sports drinks
• Alcohol

Remember to keep your hydration simple. Always carry a bottle of water with you and you’ll be ready for ANYTHING!!!