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How much is enough?
Is drinking water really the key to being healthy? Water doesn’t have any magical properties that will instantly turn a sick person well but it is an important element in a healthy balanced lifestyle. The two general guidelines most people have heard of in regard to how much water intake they need are:
1. drink 8, 8-ounce glasses of water each day
2. divide your body weight in half and that’s how many ounces of water you should drink daily (ie. 150lb. person should drink 75 ounces of water per day)
While both of these guidelines will get most people in the optimal range of proper hydration, some might argue that the benefits of water been overstated. I completely disagree, every day in my practice I see people who have been drinking 1-2 glasses of water each day for years if not decades and they have multiple health problems. When I recommend they increase their water intake, the patients that adhere to my advice most often see more energy, better digestion, less stiffness, and better mental clarity.
Benefits of water.
Our body has a natural balance of water of about 60%. When people maintain this balance they flat out have less health problems than people who are chronically dehydrated. Water is essential in proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, blood circulation, and regulating body temperature. When people consume copious amounts of water this usually eliminates the overconsumption of other less healthy drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.
Tips to increase water intake.
1. Begin every morning with a glass of water before you start your morning routine. If it is the first thing you do in the morning there is no excuse or distraction.
2. Drink a glass of water with each meal before you consume any other drink such as coffee, tea, or juice.
3. Eat more fruit and vegetables throughout the day. You can obtain 20-25% of your water intake through your food.
4. Invest in a reusable water bottle and pack it with you through out the day.
