Are you drinking enough water?

Note: This blog is not intended for treatment or diagnosis of a medical condition and is for informational purposes only.

Did you know the average human body contains 60% water? Do you know how much water you should be consuming each day? Since every body is different and every person's physical activity level is different the amount of water we should be consuming each day is different. A good rule of thumb is consume 1/2 of your body weight in ounces per day. This amount will be more if you engage in 30 minutes of physical activity.

What does water do for our bodies?

• Keeps our temperature in a normal range

• Increases energy and relieves fatigue

• Boosts skin health

• Lubricates and cushions our joints

• Helps digestion

• Forms saliva and mucus

• Protects the brain, spinal cord and other sensitive tissues

• Helps maintain blood pressure

• Gets rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements

Factors that increase your fluid needs:

• Exercise

• High altitude

• Hot weather

• High fiber diet

• Increased losses from caffeine and alcohol consumption

• Women who are pregnant or nursing

If we do not consume enough water each day our bodies will become dehydrated.

How can you tell if you are dehydrated?

• Your body is not producing waste on a regular basis. Your stools are hard or your urine is dark yellow.

• Your muscles are tight or you often get muscle cramps

• Women-your bra straps leave indentation marks on your shoulders or back.

• Women and men-your socks or stockings leave marks on your legs

• You are thirsty

• Your skin is dry or flaky

NOTE: The above can also be signs of other health issues. If symptoms persist seek medical advisement.

One of the first questions I ask with new clients as I am assessing body tissue is "how much water do you consume daily"? Typical answers are "not enough", "does coffee, tea or flavored water count", "I should drink more".

Coffee and tea count but shouldn't replace your water intake. Flavored water is ok but avoid ones with added sugar. An alternative to prepackaged flavors in water infusion. You can infuse your water with fruit, cucumber or herbs. My favorite is cucumber lemon and watermelon.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#:~:text=So%20how%20much%20fluid%20does,fluids%20a%20day%20for%20women