Drink More Water and Prevent Chronic Dehydration
Water is an essential compound for life.
Our bodies are made up of ridiculous
amounts of water. We hear this all the
time. Drink more water. Drink less soda. Do
this. And don’t do that. We know what
we’re supposed to do. But why? Most of us
don’t drink enough water, and we feel fine,
so what’s the problem?
Well, the problem lies with chronic
dehydration- A disorder that most who are
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affected don’t even realize they are
affected. We lose water daily (EX: sweat,
talking, digestion, etc.) and we need to replenish those stores in order to function properly and
optimally.
The following issues can arise when chronically dehydrated and can be easy fixes with a little extra H2O
intake:
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Constipation
Mood
Attention
Cognitive function
Kidney stones
Calorie intake
Confusion
Irritability
Lethargy
Headache
GI function
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Many of these issues can be reversed by drinking 8 glasses of water a day (or 64 ounces). However, even
if we know why we should consume more water, how do we do it? Here are a few helpful tips to keep
you and your family hydrated:
Tip #1: Always keep a bottle of water on you. Keep one in your
purse, your car, your office, and on your nightstand. To increase your total
ounces of fluids even more, purchase a 32 oz reusable bottle so you won’t have
to worry about locating a vending machine or convenience store. It’s cheaper
and better for the environment too!
Tip #2: Drink a glass of water at every meal. Drinking a glass of
water at every meal will increase your intake significantly throughout the day. It
may also even help you to consume fewer calories at that particular meal.
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Tip #3: Eat water dense foods like fruits and
vegetables. Cucumbers, oranges, and tomatoes are
just a few examples.
Tip #4: Add flavor to your water with
fruits, veggies, and herbs. A few of my favorites are
basil and cucumber, lemon and lime, mint and
cucumber.
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Tip #5: Try a water purifying system that you can attach to your kitchen faucet.
Tip #6: Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge or use ice if
you like cold water.
Tip #7: Opt for water at restaurants and fast food
places. Just because the soda is only 50 cents extra does not
necessarily make it the best value for you. It’s still costing you 50
cents, and it’s also packing on the pounds and contributing to your
dehydration. If it’s the caffeine you’re looking for, try unsweet iced
tea or hot green tea.
Increasing water intake and reducing sugary beverage consumption is something that can take time for
some and can happen over night for others. Find what works for you and stick with that. If it takes you a
year to get to your water intake goal, that’s okay! As long as you get there!
Written by Katie Newsome
References:
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