Tips & Tricks to Make Sure You Are Drinking Enough Water
It is easy to put water consumption on the back burner, but it is a necessity to ensure your body remains hydrated and healthy.Unfortunately, the coffee, tea, wine, and soft drinks we consume daily don’t count towards our need for H20. In fact, caffeine is a diuretic that has the exact opposite effect that hydration does on our bodies. Since our bodies contain about 60% water, we cannot live without it.
So, let’s look at some fun water facts and figures, and talk about ways to get exactly what you need to stay hydrated and feel refreshed.
Here is a snapshot of our body’s water composition:
| Brain 80-85% | Skin 70-75% |
| Kidneys 80-85% | Blood 50% |
| Heart 75-80% | Bones 20-25% |
| Lungs 75-80% | Teeth 8-10% |
| Muscles 70-75% | |
| Liver 70-75% |
Our super smart friends at the CDC have found that 43% of individuals drink only three to four cups of water daily. With the recommended intake being half of your body weight in ounces, that clearly is not near enough to stay hydrated. Water is essential to our bodies’ daily operations and when they become dehydrated, the effects can be undesirable.
Here are a few reasons to hit the daily mark on your consumption:
- Aids in enhancing physical performance.
- Has a significant impact on mental clarity and energy levels.
- May be used to treat and prevent headaches.
- May ease constipation.
- May promote weight loss
“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” -H. Auden
Here are some tips to help you chug those much-needed ounces of water:
- Add flavor. Oranges, limes, and lemons are excellent choices! To mix it up, consider also including cucumber, strawberries, or even ginger.
- Make it a part of your routine. Keep a glass of water by your bed, or strategically place them around your home for a quick sip.
- Eat it. A lot of fruits and vegetables, such as melon, cucumbers, lettuce, and celery, have a high-water content.
- Monitor it. Use a water-tracking device app on your phone to set an alarm or receive reminders. Even high-tech bottle alternatives that sync with your phone and monitor your water intake are available.
- Carry it with you. Fill up your water bottle or jug that tracks ounces consumed every day before you leave the house.
All this water talk begs the question…Is it possible to have too much water? The short answer is yes! Unless you live in a warmer environment, are very active in your profession, exercise 150+ minutes each week, or are an athlete, consider staying in the lower to mid-range of ounces per day. Potential side effects from too much water can include headache, nausea, or vomiting. But really, this seems to be the exact opposite of what happens for most of us every day.
The bottom line is that you should determine the right amount of H2O for you to provide your body with one of the most critical nutrients it needs. We can survive without a lot of things, but water is non-negotiable. So, go grab your water bottle, download that ounce app, and do whatever it takes to knock out your daily need. Cheers!