“No, thanks. I’m not thirsty.”
Drink water anyway, before you’re thirsty. Plenty of it. Water is very important for your health.
Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.
Simple water – no colors, no advertising slogan, no flair on any menu – is vital to drink throughout your life. Water helps your body:
- Keep a normal temperature.
- Lubricate and cushion joints.
- Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
- Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
- Maintain the balance of body fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. Those bodily fluids help with digestion, absorption, circulation, creating saliva, and transporting nutrients.
Why the push to drink water all the time? (Yes, it’s a popular refrain.)
It’s easy to tell that your body’s losing water when you’re sweating. But we all lose water constantly through breathing, skin evaporation, urine, and bowel movements.
Simple math: If your fluid intake doesn’t equal your output, that’s a deficit and you’re in danger of dehydration.
Remember, your body needs more water if you’re in hot climates, you’re physically active, you’re running a fever, or you have diarrhea or you’re vomiting.
Getting More Water into Your Body
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
- Choose water over sugary drinks.
- Opt for water when you’re dining out. You’ll save money and reduce calories. Remember, water has zero calories.
- Serve water during meals.
- Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water to change up the taste.
How Much Water Do I Need Every Day?
About 20% of the water you need comes from what you eat, and it’s especially helpful to mix in fruits and vegetables (their water content is high). But, as a general guideline, here’s what you should be drinking:
- About 11 cups of fluids (88 ounces) a day for women
- About 15 cups of fluids a day (120 ounces) for men
Depending on your age and body chemistry, you could require more, or less, than those amounts. How to tell? Your fluid intake is probably adequate if you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow.
Healthier Drink Options
There are many other beverage options besides water, and many of these can be part of a healthy diet. It doesn’t have to be all water, all the time. Mix in these options (and try to avoid the calories of sugary drinks and alcohol):
- Low-calorie (no-calorie) beverages such as plain coffee or teas, sparkling water, seltzers, and flavored waters are choices that can be part of a healthy diet.
- Drinks with important nutrients such as low-fat or fat-free milk; unsweetened, fortified milk alternatives; or 100% fruit or vegetable juice contain important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, or vitamin D. These drinks should be enjoyed within the recommended calorie limits.
Schedule a visit today at a Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic location near you to talk about more ways to live a healthy, hydrated life!