April 20, 2020
Monday Tip: Benefits of Water
April showers bring May flowers because water makes everything better. The human body is made of 60% water, 70% of your brain is water and 90% of your lungs are water, so it’s no wonder that water is such a big deal! Water is so much more than a refreshing drink after a hard workout, and it’s time to get personal about it.
Water is lost when you breathe, sweat and any time you go to the bathroom. In order to maintain balance of your bodily fluids you need to replace what is lost. Your bodily fluids assist in digestion, absorption, circulation, body temperature, saliva creation and the transportation of nutrients.
Muscle fatigue occurs when the balance of fluids and electrolytes aren’t maintained in the cells. Staying hydrated keeps muscles performing appropriately. The American College of Sports Medicine advises you to drink about 17 ounces of fluid two hours before exercising and to drink during regular intervals while exercising to replace what is lost from sweat.
Constipated? That’s because you’re not getting enough water and your colon’s pulling what it needs from your stools. Hydration keeps things flowing in the right direction...out.
Does your urine have a strong color or smell? I bet you can guess why. Ding, ding, ding, not enough water. Water is a huge help to our kidneys. It transports toxins out of the body. If they aren’t getting enough assistance from water, the kidneys trap extra fluid resulting in a stronger odor or color.
It’s been recommended that we drink 8 glasses of water a day, but there are reports that there is no scientific evidence to that claim. However, it’s easy to remember and we have all heard it. Studies are now finding to drink when you’re thirsty, but you should listen to what your body is telling you and showing you. Constant thirst is a sign of hyperglycemia and other diseases, so if you haven’t been diagnosed with kidney disease or diabetes, or if you’re not taking medication that causes this side effect, talk to your doctor.
A few tips to drink in:
Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go. It’s a reminder to drink and you’ll be happy you have it on those hot days.
Drinking a glass of water with every meal aids in digestion and will help fill you up.
Drinking two glasses of water at the beginning of the day helps get your metabolism going and rehydrates you from the night before.
Drinking a glass of water at night helps flush toxins out.
Water is also found in fruits and vegetables, so be sure to get plenty of those to aid in hydration.
Water is so versatile. If you don’t like it plain, you can add lemon, berries, cucumbers, or herbs like mint to give it a refreshing, extra nutrient, filling boost.
Drinking water is an important habit to get into. You can fill yourself with it and know you’re doing your body a favor. And know what’s even better? It’s a cheap habit to have.
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