Importance of Hydration

Importance of Hydration

No matter the time of year, staying hydrated is very important. Our body is about 60% water and has an impact on so many aspects our health and how we feel. 

1. Improves energy levels and brain function
Did you know that some studies have shown that even mild dehydration (1-3%) of body weight can impair brain function? This can impact memory, mood, concentration, anxiety, and fatigue. This can also result in headaches. So if you’ve got a bit of headache maybe ask yourself if you’ve had enough water today! 

2. Helps your whole digestive system!
Drinking enough water can help your bowels move properly and help you avoid constipation. It also can help your stomach to not be overly acidic. Excess stomach acid can increase risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers. 

3. Can help with weight loss
If you’re a regular pop drinker, replacing your sugar sweetened beverages like pop with water can help decrease excess calorie intake and help with weight loss. Also, sometimes when we think we’re hungry we’re actually thirsty so try a glass of water before that snack and see if you’re satisfied. 

4. Can decrease risk of kidney stones 
I learned this the hard way after working in a research lab for three years where food and beverages had to be left outside the lab. I found myself not drinking any water during my whole day in the lab and I ended up with a kidney stone from multiple years of dehydration! This is because the water helps everything be flushed through the kidneys and decreases risk of the buildup that can form the stones. 

5. Cushions your joints
Water intake cushions our joints just like it cushions our brain. So getting enough water can help protect your joints and also make your movements feel better.

How much should I drink?
This number is going to vary from person to person and even day to day. On hotter days or days where you’re more active your water needs will increase. Then those who have certain health conditions, like heart failure, may need to limit fluid intake. A general guideline is to aim for 8 eight-ounce glasses of water or aim for your urine to look clear or pale yellow.

How can I improve my water intake?

1.      Bring a water bottle with you so it’s always close at hand

2.       Track it

3.      Drink something you like the taste of –you can try one our water infusion recipes to help it taste yummy!

Water Facts

• The body is 80% water
• We should try to drink at least ½ our body weight in ounces of water
• Water removes harmful toxins from the body
• Dehydration slows down the body’s metabolism
• Lack of water causes daytime fatigue
• Water plays a role in almost every bodily function
• Water regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes waste. 
• A two percent drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory trouble with basic math problems and difficulty focusing.
• 75% of the U.S. Population is chronically dehydrated!!
• 37% of the U.S. population mistakes thirst for hunger!!