I’ve posted before about the importance of at least 64 oz of water every day. Unfortunately, most days I don’t reach this goal… and neither do most of those who will read this. People tell me that they really can’t choke that much water down or that it becomes inconvenient running to the bathroom every hour.
So how do we know if we become dehydrated? If you are not drinking at least 64 oz of filtered water each day, you are probably dehydrated. And this is true whether or not you are experiencing thirst. The result of ignoring water consumption is dehydration and subsequently… health problems, lack of mindfulness, and fatigue.
Water performs numerous functions in the body – in fact, everything that happens in the body is dependent, directly or indirectly, on water. These are just a few of the many things water does in your body every day:
- Water dissolves minerals, proteins, starch and water soluble nutrients and as blood, distributes them throughout the body
- Adequate hydration assures that hormones, chemical messengers and nutrients reach organs
- Every organ that produces something used by the body relies upon water pathways for distribution
- Water generates energy. The flow of water through the cell membrane can generate hydroelectric energy stored in the form of ATP and GTP
- Water can be an adhesive material in cell structures
- Water is used by the liver to metabolize fat into usable energy
- Water controls the temperature in the body
- Water in necessary for proper digestion
- Water helps to lubricate the joints
- Water hydrates the skin
If you are overweight, an additional 8oz for every 25lbs of excess weight is recommended. If you must drink coffee or alcohol, add just as much water in addition to the 64 oz. Beverages containing caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating fluids. They drain water out of the body, rather than replenishing it.
Tips for more water consumption:
- Make water your first choice… taking precedence over all other beverages.
- Measure your water intake. Most people think they are doing better than they actually are.
- Carry your water supply with you at all times.
- Buy a water filtration unit for your faucet.(contact me for an easy to install counter-top or under the counter model)
- Develop a water routine. IE. drink 16 oz as soon as you wake up, drink 1 liter before lunch, and one liter in the afternoon/eve.
Also, Children should drink one half of their weight in ounces of water daily. Most children drink sodas, milk and juices instead of water.
One more thought on H2O. Use your new found love for water as a mindfulness practice. So often when we stop to drink water, we also drink our worries, our fears, our agendas, and our relationships. When drinking water today, drink water only in complete awareness of its sustainability to your wellness!
Drink up!
