"Water is the medium in which all other nutrients are found." - Dr. Elson M. Hass
If we truly think about it, the human body as a whole is made up of 60% water. Brain tissue, muscles, our liver and bones. đŞđź
Water plays a role in pretty much every bodily function we have:
Regulation of body temperature
Lubrication of joints
Promotion of healthy digestion
Carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells
Helping to flush waste products out of the liver and kidneys
Energy levels
Skin health
Hormonal balance
Our bodily fluids such as blood, lymph, digestive juices, urine, tears and sweat ALL have water as their main component.
BUT just as water goes in, it also goes out.
The climate we live in
Activity level
Individual weight & height
Diuretic medications
Diets high in protein, sugar, or salt
Alcohol intake
All have an effect on how much water we individually need to make up for the amount lost through our skin in sweat, tears, urine, bowels, and lungs. Then in events such as fevers or diarrhea, there is an even greater need.
Have I convinced you how important water is yet?
THE MAIN PROBLEM: Majority of Canadians are chronically dehydrated đĽľ
Common Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
- Stiff muscles or joints/poor recovery from exercise
- Allergies
- Poor bowel health (constipation)
- High blood pressure
- Dry skin & lips
- Poor mood and ability to concentration
Do any of these sound or feel familiar to you? If so, think to yourself how much water I have consumed today?
My top tips to increase water:
Start every morning off (before breakfast or coffee) with 1-2 glasses of water - Everyone becomes dehydrated overnight, it's only natural, we're sleeping not drinking water!
Snack on veggies - cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, radish, celery are a few examples of food that have high levels of water content.
Add fruit or citrus to water - Do you get bored or think that the taste of water isn't exciting to drink all day? Try adding lemons, limes, cucumbers, strawberries, or raspberries to your water to elevate the experience!
Invest in a reusable water bottle - Have the water bottle with you on your desk at work or with you in the car. You can even find bottles that give you time marked goals if you want to compete with yourself đ
Pro Tip: As soon as you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated!
- Easiest and quickest way to tell if you need more water is indicated by the colour of your urine.
Check out https://globalnews.ca/news/1170806/colour-of-urine-can-tell-a-lot-about-your-overall-health/ for a colour chart as reference.
Overall, drinking water effects each and every one of our bodies everyday. If water consumption is something you struggle with, start off slow. Add that one extra glass of water in the morning or at night. Slowly this will start to turn into a healthy habit for you!
Happy drinking & stay hydrated!!
Comments