Water 2.0
Did you know your body can’t tell the difference between hunger and thirst? When your stomach is growling around the early afternoon snack time, it might really be growling because you have not consumed enough water for the day. We lose a lot of water throughout the night/day through breathing, sweating and digestion. That is why it is so important to rehydrate throughout the day. It might also help curb your appetite as well.
Why is water so important for your body?
I’m sure you have heard more than once, “Drink more water!” but why? Your body uses water to help regulate its temperature, for cellular functions, and to help remove wastes from the body. Water is important for our joints as well; water lubricates the joints and allows them to glide flawlessly. Human bodies can only last 3 days without water, so it is important to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly.
How much water should you drink throughout the day?
Research shows that you should drink half your body weight in ounces per day. For example, if you are 150 pounds, you should aim to drink at least 75 ounces of water per day. WATER, not fluids! Juices, sodas, etc. are high in sugar and salt which do the opposite of hydrating your tissue. Coffee and tea contain caffeine acting as a diuretic, which rids your body of excess water.
½ your body weight in ounces!
How can you sneak your water in throughout the day?
- Drinking your water through a straw. Drinking water with a straw allows you to drink a larger amount in a shorter period of time.
- Eating water-rich foods. Various fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, peaches, strawberries, cauliflower, peppers, and spinach contain over 90% water so it is an easy way to increase your water intake for the day!
- Add flavor! If you are someone who likes flavored drinks without all the sugar, adding some fresh strawberries, lemon, cucumber, or mint leaves to your water can freshen it up. You can also make flavored ice cubes by filling ice cube trays with water and adding some chopped up berries of your choice!
- Smoothies! This is probably the easiest way to infuse water into your diet, and still enjoying the experience. Blending up your ingredients into one thick drink will be filling and an easy way to get at least one “glass” of water in.
- Set reminders on your phone. There are also apps available that can help remind your to drink, drink, drink. If you constantly forget to drink water, try setting alarms on your phone for various times during the day. This simple and easy trick will give you the reminder to guzzle down a glass of H20 and make it a healthy habit. Eventually you wont need the reminder.
Is there such thing as drinking too much water?
Yes, there is such thing as drinking too much water. Overhydration is equally as dangerous as dehydration. Drinking too much water can result in water intoxication, or hyponatremia, which occurs when the level of sodium in your blood becomes abnormally low. Cells can begin to swell when your body’s water level rises, diluting the sodium in your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of overhydration include nausea, headaches, confusion, or fatigue.
http://www.everydayhealth.com/water-health/water-body-health.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/basics/definition/con-20031445
https://authoritynutrition.com/water-intoxication/