The Importance of Hydration
Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to manage health.
Doing so:
- Sharpens memory and stabilizes mood
- Maintains blood volume, reducing the workload on your heart
- Keeps you cool through sweating and breathing
- Removes waste from the blood stream
- Keeps skin elastic and supple (and decreases fine lines and wrinkles!)
- Regulates digestive processes
How much water is needed?
- Adequate intake for men is 3 liters per day, for women is 2.2 liters per day.
- The general guideline of 8 glasses of 8 ounces daily is a great pace to start, though individual needs may vary.
- To know whether you are properly hydrated, urine should be a pale yellow color. Any darker and that is a sign of beginning dehydration, though certain medications can affect urine output.
Watery Foods
Many foods and beverages contain hydrating properties that support our bodily health when included in the daily diet alongside water. Some of the most hydrating foods include: peaches, grapes, all types of melon, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, celery, eggplant, cottage cheese, broth-based soups, yogurt, milk or milk alternatives, decaf coffee and tea.
When to Increase Water Intake
- With exercise. Any activity that makes you sweat decreases hydration levels. If you sweat, drink more.
- With environment. If it's hot outside or inside you'll lose water through your skin and breath. If it's hot or humid, drink more.
- With illness. If you are sick, toxic waste or bacteria can build up. Clear those toxins and drink more.