Why is water so important?
According to Mayo Clinic, "water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water."
Water flushes our body of toxins. Water helps to regulate our body temperature. It dissolves nutrients for our body to use. It is crucial in the very first stop in our digestion: the mouth. It carries oxygen to our cells, lubricates our joints, helps decrease pain, supports our immune systems, and on.
Not enough water and we can become tired. Dehydration can cause us to get headaches, lightheaded, low blood pressure, more susceptible to illness.
How much water should I drink?
The answer is pretty straightforward. Take your body weight divide it in half and translate that into ounces. If someone weighs 200 pounds. Then half that and he or she should be drinking 100 ounces a day. This can include non-caffeinated herbal teas as well.
Add more water to your daily amount following exercise or yard work or high outdoor temperatures.
A good rule of thumb:
- Drink your daily amount of water before enjoying any other beverages. This is a way to be sure you are getting all you need.
- Carry a water bottle with you everywhere.
- And as a dear friend practices, stop at the drinking fountain at work or hit your water bottle after every time you use the bathroom.
Use tomorrow as an experiment. Keep track of how much water you are drinking in a day. If you are not reaching your recommended amount, give it a try for a week and see how you feel.
Be well,
Rebecca
