You Can Do It!: Why H2O Is The Only Way To Go
Feeling foggy, sluggish, scattered or just plain off? Having trouble losing weight as quickly as you’d like? Struggling with some ailment you just can’t seem to shake?
You might be dehydrated.
Indeed, 75 percent of all Americans are dehydrated.
Just a 2 percent drop in your body water can trigger everything from short term memory loss, lethargy and mild confusion to weight gain or slow weight loss, joint and muscle pain, migraines, constipation, anxiety and even depression.
Now that we’ve whet your palette, take a minute to pour over the 411 on H2O.
Why Is Water So Darn Important?
By weight, 72 percent of the human body is water, 20 percent is bone and tissue and 8 percent is chemical compounds. If you really want to get into the nitty gritty, our blood, aka what flows throughout our bodies, distributing nutrients and oxygen, is comprised of 83 percent water, and our brains are made up of 80 percent water. If the optimal functioning of blood and brains isn’t enough to compel you fill up that BPA-free water bottle that’s been sitting in your kitchen cabinet, then maybe this tidbit will: Every (every!) system in your body depends on water. Ergo, if you are not drinking enough water, every bodily function is strained and compromised—and your health can go down drain.
How Do I Know If I Am Dehydrated?
With a three out of four chance, you probably are. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic joint and muscle pain, lower back pain, headaches, constipation, fatigue and a general malaise. Urine with a strong odor and a yellow or amber color are also giveaways. (However, certain vitamins and supplements affect urine in the same way, so don’t diagnose on color or odor alone.) And, of course, being thirsty is an easy-to-recognize and definite sign of dehydration.
How Much Water Should I Be Drinking Then?
It depends. There are numerous schools of thought on this question and, certainly, varying circumstances (your overall health, how active you are, where you live) affect the answer as well. Some experts recommend determining the amount of water you need by taking your weight in pounds and dividing the number in half. However, in general, eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day will keep you looking and feeling your best, inside and out.
What Are the Real Benefits To Being Properly Hydrated?
Staying properly hydrated is the cornerstone of good health. Here’s a little mnemonic device to keep you focused on your daily adequate water consumption: You can do it—as in U (can) DO (it). The U for up, D for down and O for out.
Up—Get Your Energy Up
A five percent drop in body fluids can cause a 25 to 30 percent loss of energy. Think you need that morning and/or afternoon cup of coffee? You don’t; you just need to drink more water.
Down—Keep Your Weight Down
Feeling hungry mid-afternoon? We often misinterpret dehydration signals for hunger cues. The next time you think you are feeling hungry but know that there’s no reason for you to be, go chug-a-lug a glass of water. We bet it will do the trick. Dehydration also slows down your metabolism—immediately—so upping your daily intake will help you burn calories at a faster and more efficiently.
Out—Kick Those Toxins Out
Water helps remove the toxins from your entire system. Ridding your body of health-robbing toxins frees it up to function at its best, staving off everything from weight gain to illness to premature aging.
Ready to water your world? Here are a few tips to get your flow going:
1. Start slowly and increase your intake—you can make it one of your short-term goals.
2. Carry a water bottle with you at all times and be sure to substitute water for the juices and sodas you usually drink.
3. Begin the day with a full glass of water. Add a lemon slice to up its detoxing capabilities.
4. Drink a glass of water with and between your meals.
5. Drink water before, during and after you exercise.
6. Journal your water consumption—along with your food and exercise logging.
Cheers to your new and improved health! Remember U (can) DO it!
*Please note that, although it is uncommon, it is possible to drink too much water. Check with your doctor before starting this or any health regimen. If you have kidney or adrenal problems or are currently taking diuretics, your doctor will have to tell you how much water is safe for you to consume. The above recommendations do not apply to infants or children.
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