How Much Water Should You Drink?

http://www.webmd.com/diet/

We have all heard it too many times before. Drink 8 glasses of water a day… I’ve always wondered if that was true, and why that number. So I did a bit of research and although most of the findings are common sense information, I still wanted to share it with all of you, my lovelies, because even the best of us need to be reminded of certain things. And I would be the first to admit that I unfortunately do not drink that required amount…

It’s amazing that a human body can go for several weeks without food, but can only survive for a few days without water. Water is one of the most essential nutrients to sustain our life. As you probably know, our bodies are about 60% water. Most people have no idea how much water they should be drinking, and in fact, most of us are living in a constant state of dehydration, without even realizing it!

http://www.webmd.com/diet/

Water is responsible for so many vital bodily functions, such as: helps the kidneys remove poisonous wastes from our bodies, controls chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and helps cool the body through perspiration, lubricates our joints, and even helps us breathe! Our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling.

According to Dr. Howard Flaks, a bariatric (obesity) specialist in Beverly Hills, Calif, : “By not drinking enough water, many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness and water retention.” (Source: http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/water.htm)

Surprisingly enough, if you’re not drinking enough, your body may retain water to compensate. Paradoxically, fluid retention can sometimes be eliminated by drinking more water, not less.

Beverages such as coffee, tea containing caffeine, alcohol, juice, pop and other sugary drinks actually dehydrate the body, so if you are drinking any of the above, you have to compensate by drinking extra water. Drinking enough water can actually help you lose weight. If you drink a glass of water before each meal you trick your body to fill fuller; therefore, you will eat less. So that is a good way to do portion control, as well as hydrate your body.

One point that really caught my attention is that fine lines and wrinkles are deeper when you’re dehydrated. And drinking water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your look younger! And who doesn’t want that, right?

So how much water should you be drinking? The known rule is ‘8×8′ : drink eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. Now this number varies depending on your level of activity and the climate you live in. If you exercise and tend to sweat a lot, then you should replenish that with an extra 1-2 glasses, or if you live in a hot climate, again increase the water intake.

The signs of feeling thirsty (like a dry mouth) is actually the last step of our bodies crying out to be hydrated. Because our bodies are used to the feeling of dehydration the brain learns to stop registering the early signs of dehydration. Therefore, we should pace the water intake throughout the day. If you’re not used to drinking a lot of water (like me), then make it a new habit. Start your day with a glass of water first thing in the morning and a glass at night before going to sleep. And spread the other 6 throughout your day in between meals & snacks.

You’re probably thinking: ‘If I drink that much water, won’t I have to spend half the day in the bathroom?’. You will obviously have to urinate a lot more, which is a good thing. Means your body is cleansing itself. Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form crystals knows as kidney stones. And kidney stones can’t form in diluted urine, so reduce the rick with plenty of water. After awhile your bladder will get used to the volume of water you’re giving it and will adjust accordingly. You will start to go to the bathroom less, but will urinate larger amount of urine each time.

If you are like me, and don’t particularly enjoy drinking large amounts of water, when you don’t feel thirsty, here are a few tips to help you along the way:

- Squeeze lemon juice into the water. It will not only add flavour and natural sweetness, but lemon juice is also a great detoxifier.
- Drink herbal teas, such as green tea as part of your 8 glasses of water. Green tea is a strong anti-oxidant and natural diuretic.
- Note that veggies, fruits, milk and other foods all contain water, so that also helps you get to that daily requirement.

I hope I was able to inspire you all to start drinking more to keep those bodies hydrated and help them function at their full capacities!

Are you already drinking enough, or will you commit to start drinking more after reading this? I know I am… =)