Hydrate, Baby!

“Drink more water!”

Who else has heard this?? I know I have … over and over and over and over again.

We all know water is “good for us,” but do you actually know why?

When I can make the connection between health tips like this, and their purpose, I find that it’s much easier to get on board and follow the advice. Without the why, I have no reason to do it!

Water being such a basic tool to healthy living that every single person on this planet can benefit from, I thought let’s go ahead and give people their why!

Here are some magical things water can do for the body:

•  It's crucial for diluting and eliminating toxins 

Toxins are thrown at us left and freakin’ right these days, from the pollution in the air to the manufactured ingredients in our food, and they can even be found in our household products like laundry detergent, deodorant, makeup, lotions, etc. Our liver, aka one of our main systems of detoxification, could use a little help when it comes to getting rid of these toxins. Water can give that support!

• It dissolves nutrients so they are more easily absorbed during digestion

During the digestive process, we are not only prepping the body for elimination, but we are fueling the body with nutrients from the food that we eat. Water helps to break down these nutrients, actually peeling them out from our food, so that our bodies can use them appropriately. Without our nutrients, we’re in trouble!

• It transports nutrients to our cells and tissues

Okay so water helps to break down nutrients during digestion, and this magical liquid doesn’t stop there! Once the nutrients are broken down, they need to actually get to our cells and tissues in order to be used. Water is like the train that transports them to where they need to go. All aboard the water train!

• Dehydration is the primary cause of fatigue and headaches

Afternoon laziness? What about those headaches? Hint hint - it may be because you haven’t had enough water! Have a glass or 2 before reaching for the coffee and advil.

• Dehydration slows metabolism

Uh-oh. Who wants to have a slow metabolism?? Definitely not me. A slow metabolism backs me up and makes me feel like shit (pun intended…). IDK about you, but I’d rather keep things moving along, thank you very much. Top me up, please, my water cup is empty!

Try and have a glass of water first thing in the morning. I personally chug a whole water bottle before I do anything else to start my day. Meet yourself where you are and work your way up from there. Start with a glass.

Other ways to get more water in if you’re struggling are to flavor it up using fruit, herbs, even vegetables, and to have a glass before you eat. Sometimes we think we’re hungry, but it’s actually dehydration, so this may help the caloric intake throughout the day as well. And why stop there? Let’s have another one after our meals too!

Watch out for coffee and alcohol as they are dehydrating and we don’t want to reverse all the good work we’re putting in. If you’re going to have either (or both… let’s be real, we all have those days) make sure to drink extra water before, between, and after.

In general, you should try to drink between ½ - 1oz of water per pound of body weight every day. But don’t make it too hard on yourself - aim for 8 - 8oz. cups (64 ounces or 1.9 litres) per day and you’ll be golden! And of course, if you’re exercising, you’ll need more than that.

How many cups of water have you had today?? Get those bottoms up!!