Tips and Tricks for Staying Hydrated
Drinking More Water Daily is Essential to Good Health
May 4, 2009
Depending on body weight, humans need to drink anywhere between 1 1/2 -- 3 liters of water daily. However, up to 3/4 of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, which causes fatigue, loss of energy, and inability to concentrate.
Water lubricates the joints, assists with digestion, balances metabolism, regulates body temperature, and helps headaches, back pain, asthma, arthritis pain, and hypertension. As water aids the immune system, those whose intake is low may suffer more frequently from common viruses.
Water is also preventative medicine for serious diseases such as colon and bladder cancers, and perhaps even for breast cancer and Alzheimer's Disease.
As an added beneft, staying hydrated can assist with weight loss because proper hydration reduces hunger and makes the stomach feel full faster, preventing needless snacking and overeating.
Always Carry Water to Stay Hydrated Conveniently
It's easy to forget to drink the recommended amount of water a day. It's a common habit to grab a soft-drink or iced coffee to sip on instead of a bottle of water, and humans often mistake thirst for hunger. Because of this, keeping bottled water in the car, purse, desk, or hand is vital. This way, at the first hint of thirst, water will be consumed. Additionally, it is healthy to sip water throughout the day. This conscious action eliminates the soda machine temptation and maintains high energy levels.
The purchase of a refillable, eco-friendly water bottle is a smart investment. A bottle with measurements on the exterior makes it easy to keep track of intake and also provides a sense of accomplishment.
Cut Out Dehydrating Drinks: Juices, Soda, Coffee, and Alcohol to be Replaced by Water
Drinks that contain sugar, caffeine, and alcohol dehydrate the human body. The best course of action is to completely eliminate soft drinks, coffee, and alcohol from the diet. However, as this is nearly impossible, try these tricks:
- Add water to prepared juices; this retains the flavor but helps to prevent dehydration
- Ask for extra ice. If a coca-cola is absolutely necessary, add ice and sip slowly.
- Drink equal amounts of water for each dehydrating drink. A cup of coffee is fine, as long as it is coupled with a tall glass of water.
- Try Homemade Herbal Infusions, for flavor without dehydration and an added vitamin boost.
- Begin the day with a glass of water. It provides more energy than coffee and hydrates the body after 6-8 hours of zero water consumption.
Drink Water Before and During Meals for Better Health
A glass of water before dinner is very beneficial. Firstly, a hydrated body is more efficient at digesting food. Water in the stomach is used to help create digestive fluids and prevent indigestion. Drinking water before meals is a great habit to get into because it ensures that thirst is not being mistaken for hunger; if food is consumed in response to thirst, dehydration is likely.
Hydrate for a More Successful Workout; Drink Water Before Hitting the Gym
It is dangerous to begin a heavy workout without proper hydration. Drink plenty of water beforehand in order to boost energy and regulate body temperature. Perspiration begins as water inside the body!
After the workout, drink more water to replace the fluids lost.
Additional Advice for Keeping Hydrated
Try not to worry about using the bathroom too much. The body adapts quickly to an increase in water intake and after a few days of increased water consumption, there should be no serious problem with frequent urination.
Urine is a great indicator of hydration levels! Healthy urine should be very pale yellow. Dark yellow or odorous urine is a symptom of dehydration and an indication that more water must be consumed.
Drink as much water as desired. Some people warn about water intoxication, which can be deadly. However, this imbalance in the human body has generally occurred when over 10 liters of water is consumed in a matter of minutes, so slowly sipping 3 liters of water throughout one day can only be beneficial!
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