Why You Should Drink More Water
Since your body is 60 percent water, it makes sense that replenishing those fluids helps keep you balanced and healthy. A lot of basic health problems can be solved easily by hydrating yourself better.
Dry mouth or nasal passages? It may not just be the weather, so drink up! Water also prevents toxins from building up in the body by flushing vital organs and providing a convenient way to bring nutrients to your cells.
Just like you refill your car’s gas tank when it’s low on fuel, you need to do the same with water. Things you do every day affect your water reserves — breathing, sweating, urination and excretion all use water stored in your body. Simply being a living, breathing human means a consistent loss of water.
The general rule of thumb with water consumption is eight 8-ounce glasses a day, but the professional recommendation is actually 13 cups for men, and nine for women. Keep in mind that there are a number of other factors that can contribute to whether you need to up your intake, as well.
Environment: Remember what we said earlier about being human? If it’s hot and humid outside, it will affect your body’s water reserves. High altitudes can also cause increased respiration, and even heated indoor air can cause skin and mucous membranes to dry out.
Exercise: Sweating and rapid breathing lead to water loss in the body. If you’re heading for a workout, be sure to drink water before, during and after to replenish the body’s water reserves. While the intensity and duration of exercise does matter when it comes to water loss, each body is different.
Pregnancy and breast feeding: You’re not just “eating for two” now, if you’re pregnant, you’re drinking for two, as well. While young infants take up time and energy, they can also sap your water reserves if you’re breast feeding. The Mayo Clinic recommends 10 cups of water a day for pregnant women and 13 cups a day for those who are breast feeding.
Illnesses and conditions: Fever, vomiting and diarrhea all cause water loss, so drink more water to make your way toward a speedy recovery. Drinking more water can aid in alleviating more serious conditions like kidney or bladder stones. The additional fluids can help flush the stones from the body.
Do you have any tips for staying hydrated? How do you get the right amount of water each day? Share your ideas with us!