How much water are you currently drinking? I don’t mean as in tea or coffee, I mean as in pure, clear, nothing-added-to-it water? Do you enjoy the taste of water or do you chug it down as something that you “have” to do? Do you know how much water you should be consuming everyday? Is it 56 ounces, 64 ounces or 112 ounces?
Everyone knows the common recommendation that you need to drink at least eight, 8 ounce glasses of water daily. But for many, especially those who are physically active, you need almost twice as much! When in doubt, shoot for ten 8 ounce glasses of water per day. I personally drink roughly 2 gallons a day!
Need some incentives to drink more water? Here are the top 10 reasons why you should be drinking more!
- Did you know that your body is made up of roughly 50-75% water? Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
- The amount of water you need depends on a variety of factors, including the climate you live in, how physically active you are, and whether you’re experiencing an illness or have any other health problems. Fun Fact: This means that 2/3 of your body weight is actually water, the rest is you!
- Dehydration. You should always want to stay in a state of hydration. This is especially important as being dehydrated can become extremely critical if not addressed. Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise, sweat in high heat, or come down with a fever or contract an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea. Fact: Even losing 20% of your total body water could result in death. If you’re losing fluids for any of these reasons, it’s important to increase your fluid intake so that you can restore your body’s natural hydration levels.
- If you’re ill, your doctor may also recommend that you drink more fluids to help treat other health conditions, like bladder infections and urinary tract stones. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you may want to consult with your physician about your fluid intake because your body will be using more fluids than usual, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
- Water does more than just quench your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature, it alsokeeps the tissues in your body moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints and cartilage tissues.
- Bloating or retaining water. This is a common concern for women, that feeling of being bloated or feeling like you’re retaining extra water. Staying hydrated will help combat bloating while keeping you hydrated.
- Digestion. Your body’s digestive system starts with the saliva, the basis of which is water. Proper digestion relies on enzymes that are found in your saliva to help break down foods and liquids, and to assist in dissolving minerals and nutrients. Water is also necessary to help you digest soluble fiber (this is a good thing), as fiber can dissolve easily and benefit your bowel health by making well formed, soft stools that are easier to pass.
- Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys and liver use it to help flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you from getting constipated by softening your stools and helping move the food you’ve eaten through your intestinal tract. However, it should be noted that there is no evidence to prove that increasing your fluid intake will cure constipation.
- Not sure if you’re hydrated? Are you still thirsty after drinking water? Check your urine. Is it pale yellow to clear? How do you feel? If you’re drinking enough, your answer will be YES!
- Water helps to keep your skin clear and youthful, your eyes bright, your smile brighter and your weight lighter!
The Benefits of Water in Review
Most people who are in good physical health get enough fluids by drinking water and other beverages when they’re thirsty, and also by drinking a beverage with each of their meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re not sure about your hydration level, look at your urine. If it’s clear, you’re in good shape. If it’s dark, you’re probably dehydrated. Now that you know how important the benefits are of drinking water, what are you waiting for?