What do you know about H2O?
Tips on drinking more water and staying hydrated for your optimal wellness.
Your body is made up of about 70% water and your brain is made up of about 75% water. When you are dehydrated, it decreases the ability for your body to function optimally and efficiently. Do you feel like you're in a fog and can't think clearly? Try drinking more water.
The amount of water you should drink each day varies from person to person. An easy way to figure this out is take your body weight in pounds, divide that number by two, and aim for that many ounces in a day. Increase this number if you are physically active, consume caffeinated beverages, drink soda or alcohol, or consume other substances that are diuretics or heavily sweetened.
It might seem like a lot when you first start to increase your consumption, and you may feel like you're making a few more trips to the restroom, but that is normal. As you begin to consume enough water, your body will get used to it and begin working more efficiently.
It is important to regularly consume enough electrolytes: calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These help your body to absorb and utilize the water you are consuming and are vital for your muscles to function properly. Electrolytes help your body to be a sponge to soak up all the water you're drinking.
- Consume your recommended amount of water on a consistent basis so your body functions optimally.
- Drink more than the recommended amount if you consumer dehydrating substances like alcohol and coffee.
- Supplement your water intake with electrolytes to enhance water absorption and efficient body function.
Take on the challenge of drinking more water for one week: calculate your ideal amount of water, track your consumption, and push yourself to drink more water. At the end of the week, reflect on how different your wellness feels.