Gimme some agua

Water.

The lifeforce of everything living. Ever marvel at the fact that we are 60% water (in adults) and yet we need to fill ourselves with a generous amount of it (64oz/ 2L) every day to stay healthy? That’s a lot of water.

Water intake is something that is often neglected because, let’s face it, it’s not the tastiest thing to drink. There’s always the option to be inventive and infuse it with lemons, limes, berries, mint, cucumber, and so on. All very good choices —I use lemon. Yet, it’s still a challenge for most to stay on top of drinking our daily recommended amount.

I’ll do my due diligence and use this opportunity to explore why water is good for you and the benefits of drinking it. I’ll also explore timing. Yes, timing is a thing with water consumption. When to drink water can actually help you get into the habit of drinking it. And it wouldn’t be fair of me to tell you when to drink water without mentioning some hacks on how to maintain this new super, fantastic habit once you’ve gotten started.

“Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive.”

Mayoclinichealthsystems.org

So, why is water good for you?

According to Mayoclinichealthsystems.org, drinking water is essential to keeping your body functioning properly. “Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive.” Water is good for you in the following ways,

• Regulates body temperature
• Moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Protects body organs and tissues
• Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
• Lubricates joints
• Lessens burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
• Dissolves minerals and nutrients to make them accessible to your body

How much water do you need?

Mayo states that adults lose 8-12 cups of water through breathing, perspiring, and going to the bathroom (1 and 2) every day. “In general, men need at least 12 cups of fluid daily, while women require a minimum of nine cups.” And that doesn’t include the amount you need to make up for exercise, hot weather, high altitude, caffeine and alcohol intake, or even a high-fiber diet.

When to drink water?

While there’s no set time to drink water, starting in the morning can help keep your intake going throughout the day. Mayo suggests starting the morning off by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, even before coffee. (I know it sounds harsh but if you keep a glass or bottle of water by your bed—right beside your alarm or phone—and reach for that water first take just two to three gulps, you’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel.

“When a person drinks cold water, thermogenesis occurs to warm up the water entering the body, which burns calories.”

Medicine News today

An article on Medicine News Today’s (MNT) website, indicates that drinking water in the morning can assist in weight loss because water can give you the feeling of fullness, which will prevent you from ravenously raiding the fridge for a big breakfast to fill your empty stomach. MNT also mentions ‘thermogenesis’, which is the production of heat. “When a person drinks cold water, thermogenesis occurs to warm up the water entering the body, which burns calories.”

Other ways to ensure water intake in your day, are carrying a water bottle wherever you go, putting pen to paper, or downloading a goal-keeping app on your phone and making it a goal that you’ll keep track of for 20 – 30 days. Another way to add something is by eliminating something else. Cut down on or out completely those sugary drinks to avoid empty calories.

Staying hydrated in style!

I mean, who doesn’t like drinking clear liquid that tastes like nothing? Unless you’ve just conquered a workout like a boss or you’re pregnant (OMG there was not enough ice water on the planet to drink when I was pregnant with my twins), the best way to start and maintain your water intake is to add flavor. Lemon, lime, mint, basil, cucumber, and berries, are all tasty (and natural!) options. If you like a bit of bubbly, you can drink seltzer or sparkling water. Make sure to check that there is nothing added though. Some add sodium or sugar. You can make a pitcher of water infused with strawberries, a squeeze of lemon, and some mint and keep that in your fridge to enjoy all day long. Not at home put it in a 64oz water bottle and take it with you.

Another pro tip is to take small sips often or three gulps every two hours. That will keep your water intake consistent without feeling like you have to chug a whole bunch in one sitting.

Warning, there will be a downside to drinking water. What goes in eventually must come out and the more of it in the more of it out. That is a major deterrent for some people to get into the habit of drinking water. Heck, I’m not a fan of spending most of my day in the bathroom either. Some of us may not even be able to due to logistics or work arrangements. But there’s usually an up and downside to everything we do and that’s just one of the disadvantages we must endure in order to achieve optimal health. Better to drink the water your body needs and deal with the bathroom trips than to suffer the consequences that may be even more inconvenient. The effects of dehydration can be extremely damaging, even fatal.

Bottom line, you can’t live without it. It may seem like a tall order to start another habit to stay healthy. But it’s an easy one and you’re going to want to drink something throughout the day anyway. Be inventive and make it taste good. It’s worth it. And so are you!

A xo