Water is Essential!
With summer in full swing, I have been thinking a lot about water. We tend to drink more water during the warmer weather, but most of us don’t drink nearly enough water for our bodies to function properly.
Why should you drink water? More than 75 percent of our bodies are made up of water. Staying dehydrated consistently for a long period of time can cause problems that you don’t realize, including headaches, fatigue, lack of attention and high blood pressure, just to name a few.
Water is essential for your body to remove toxins from your body. I have even heard our body compared to a fish bowl. If you put goldfish in a bowl of clean water, they will begin eating and producing toxins. Unless you change the water to get rid of these toxins, the fish will eventually die.
Our bodies are no different. If we don’t give our bodies enough water, toxins from our everyday living will continue to build up, causing diseases and other medical problems.
But, I’m Not Thirsty!
Many people say they don’t feel thirsty, so they must not be dehydrated. But, the opposite is true. After being dehydrated for a long period of time, you will no longer feel thirsty.
But, how much water is enough? Experts disagree on just how much water we all need. Some will say eight 8-ounce glasses is fine, while others recommend considerably more. I have even heard a number as high as half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would drink 100 ounces of water each day.
I Can’t Drink That Much!
You may be saying “Wait! There is no way I can drink that much water!” In the beginning, you probably can’t. But, make an effort to increase the water you drink each day. First, keep track of exactly how much water you drink now. Often, people think they are drinking enough water, but are really consuming much less.
After you have figured out how much you drink now, drink an extra eight ounce glass per day. When that becomes comfortable (usually 1-2 days for most people), add another 8 ounce glass. Also, don’t feel like you have to drink all of your water at one time. Your body actually works better when it gets a steady supply of water.
Continue increasing your water until you notice your urine is a pale yellow or clear by the end of the day. For the first few days or weeks, you will notice that you have to go to the bathroom more often. But, as your body adjusts to having enough water, you will see this problem go away.
What Water Should I Drink?
Experts disagree on the best way to get your water. Some insist on bottled water, others say it needs to be from a filter. The list goes on. I take a practical approach. If a filtered water bottle works for you, do it! If you prefer bottled water, go that route! The important part is that you are drinking water!
Remember, too, that other drinks do not take the place of water. While juices and other beverages can be healthy, they still do not replace water. Caffeinated beverages actually work in the opposite way. Coffee, soda and other caffeinated beverages actually cause your body to loose water.
I challenge everyone to increase their water intake. And, let me know the results. You will be amazed! I always am!
