Water: Sip On These Crucial Facts.
Our Body And Water
Our human bodies are designed to last roughly thirty days without food; without water, however, you can max out at three days. Not surprised since your body is composed of approximately 70% of the stuff, although it's slightly different from person to person--water is involved in every function of the human body. It helps with transporting nutrients and waste products in and out of cells, it is also necessary for all digestive, absorptive, circulatory, and excretory functions of our body. It's even a crucial element to support your internal body temperature. By the end of each day, our bodies lose up to 4 cups of water from each kidney, 1 cup from the lungs, 1/2 cup from typical feces-- a total of about 10 cups (80oz/2.4 liters). To replace the water lost, we need to intake roughly the same amount.
Signs Of Dehydration And Overhydration
Signs of Dehydration: A drop in the body's water content causes a rise in the concentration of sodium in the blood; these sudden changes quickly trigger metabolic blockage/delay. Often than not, people only consume enough liquid to quench a dry or parched throat-- not enough to cover all their water loss. As a result, they are dehydrated. Feeling dizzy not soon after eating? Drink more water. Common episodes of vertigo or migraines? Water. Hungry after eating? Water. Not pooping enough....you get the point. As we age, our sense of thirst becomes duller. At the same time, we have a lower percentage of reserve body water than we had when we were younger. This is why it is important to drink water even when you do not feel thirsty.
Signs of Overhydration: On the opposite end of the spectrum, drinking too much water dilutes important substances in your blood; quickly causing an erringly similar metabolic crisis. Many people consume an overabundance of water based on online influencer advice, debunked internet articles, and worst of all a forceful need of consumption. Urine is transparent? Drink less. Swollen hands, ankles, or feet? Drink less. Experiencing nausea, well,...you get it. While staying hydrated is important, we should nevertheless apply the age-old wisdom of ‘anything in excess is bad', even when it comes to water. Listen to your body, folks. It'll tell you what you need to know.
How Much Water Should I Drink?
Wondering how much water to actually drink is one of the most common questions people lookup on Google. Some answers may indicate "half your body weight in ounces," a specific set of ounces, or the typical gallon-per-day answer. Holistically speaking, listen to your body. Urine will be pale in color if the body is sufficiently hydrated. On medication, supplements, or just plain don't care to look down--with adults, start with the standard 10 cups/80oz/2.4L of water per day, increase if necessary. Pay attention to your body, look for the clues of both overhydration and dehydration.
It’s also important to remember that water needs vary with age, sex, weather, activity level, and overall health. So there is no exact formula on how much to drink. Common situations such as extreme heat, significant activity, and illness with fever will all require more fluid intake than average.
How To Stay Hydrated?
Maintaining your hydration doesn't necessarily mean constantly be drinking. You can get a good portion of your daily fluid intake from other sources such as fruits, vegetables, broths, and tea. But if you insist on drinking more plain water in a healthy matter, here are your best ways of doing so:
1. Invest in a 30-60oz water bottle. It's small enough to keep with you, easy to carry around, and convenient to refill. Unlike its pseudo-gallon companion. I recommend the 32 oz Pogo Water Bottle (with Chug Lid, or Soft Straw options), they even sell an 18oz option which is perfect for kids.
2. According to GreenMatters, America only recycles 35% of its recyclable products. The sad reality is that not every piece of recycling that gets thrown into the bin gets recycled. To minimize global waste, it's best to invest in a refrigerated or countertop water filter. I keep a PUR Plus 30-cup Water Dispenser with a lead-reduction filter in the fridge for quick access to clean, cold, water.
3. Temperature Matters. Drinking cold water helps your body produce more adrenaline. On the opposite end, water that is room temperature or slightly warmer helps to dissolve foods, making them easier to digest and is more effective at preventing you from feeling thirsty.
4. Change it up with the bubbles and flavor by drinking the available varieties of tonic water, seltzer water, club soda, and mineral water. Go flavored if you want some sweetness or a soda-killer.
In The End, It's Up To You. Take A Sip. Replenish Your Body.
Krosofsky, Andrew. “What Percentage of Recycling Actually Gets Recycled?” Green Matters, Green Matters, 16 Mar. 2021, https://www.greenmatters.com/p/what-percent-recycling-actually-gets-recycled.
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements. Penguin, 2011.
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