DRINK WATER AND KEEP YOUR BODY HEALTHY AND COOL THIS SUMMER
During these Hot Summer months, we get reminded that we need to drink more water to replenish the fluids lost through our sweat and to keep our body temperature cool. In reality, we should be drinking plenty of water all the time regardless of the season.
Everyone knows that water is an essential nutrient. Our bodies are 50 to 70 percent water. Staying hydrated keeps our bodies cool and functioning properly.
Here are some of the reasons why you should drink plenty of water:
Cleans your body
Our kidneys need water to eliminate toxic and waste products from the body.
Helps prevent constipation
When we don’t drink enough water, the body pulls water away from stools, making it difficult to have a bowel movement.
Keeps muscles moving
Since muscles are 70 to 75 percent water, not having proper hydration will make them tight. Drinking water will help relieve cramps, sprains and prevent injuries.
Is good for the brain
Like our muscles, our brain is 70 to 75 percent water. When we are dehydrated our brain doesn’t function properly and we cannot think clearly. It also affects the communication between the brain and the rest of the organs in our body. Water helps you think faster and with more clarity.
Helps curb overeating
Drinking water helps curb the appetite, making you fill satiated and by helping digestion. Sometimes our body is dehydrated causing us to experience cravings, and instead of drinking water we tend to eat the unhealthy snacks. Drink a glass of water before you decide to snack.
Promotes a healthy heart
Adequate amounts of water will improve your blood circulation by allowing your heart to pump blood more easily through the vessels.
Interestingly enough, if you don’t drink enough water your body will retain water in order to prevent dehydration. Drinking more water will flush the retained fluid and excess sodium that’s causing the bloating.
That afternoon crash could be a sign of dehydration. A glass of cold water will help combat fatigue.
When our body is dehydrated the blood flow and oxygen to the brain drops. Our brain can temporarily shrink and pull away from the skull resulting in pain.
So how much water should we drink?
As a general rule, adults need about a half an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Putting it in easier terms, drink “half of your body weight in ounces” so if you are 160 pounds you would drink 80 ounces of water per day. Children need around an ounce of water per pound of their body weight. If you are exercising or sweating and losing a lot of fluids then you would need to drink more water to replenish accordingly.
Keep it safe and healthy by drinking pure water and avoiding sugary drinks and sodas. Also, remember to not wait until you are thirsty to replace fluids. A very dry mouth and sudden thirst is an indicator that the body already needs water, drink water before you get thirsty!
As a Dr. Sears Wellness Institute Certified Health-Coach, I promote a healthy lifestyle that is build on the four pillars of Health: Lifestyle-How we live; Exercise- How we move; Attitude- How we think and Nutrition-How we eat. Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional.
Certified Health Coach
Building Happy Healthy Lives
My mission is to empower individuals to take care of their health by adopting simple lifestyle changes so they can live healthier, happier lives.