One of the simplest and least expensive ways to incorporate a healthy habit into your life is by drinking more water.
Most Americans are chronically dehydrated and simply don’t drink enough water. Inadequate hydration can cause fatigue, heat intolerance, dizziness, constipation, and kidney stones. Conversely, filling up on water can remedy anything from drops in blood pressure to acne.
Water is essential to every single bodily process, from digestion right down to the functionality of every living cell inside us. In order for us to be functioning at optimal levels, water is a vital part of our wellbeing.
How Much Water Should a Person Drink Per Day?
According to a 2013 study, water needs can vary from person to person – and no one person will need the same amount of fluid from one day to the next. So recommending a generalized water amount is challenging.
But a good rule of thumb is this: drink half your body in ounces, each day.
To figure out what this equates to you for you specifically, take your weight and divide the number in half. That is the number of ounces you should drink per day. For example, a 100 lb person should drink 50 ounces of water per day.
However, in order to satisfy individual needs, various lifestyle factors and individual needs should be taken into consideration. Every time we breathe, sweat, and digest foods (or go to the bathroom), our body loses water. Other situations like high temperatures, intense exercise, illness, or alcohol consumption increase water loss further.
With the various ways water so easily exits our bodies, it can certainly be difficult to stay hydrated on a daily basis!
How to Stay Hydrated Regularly
Find a reusable glass or stainless steel water bottle that you love and carry it with you so you remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. Try not to drink from plastic water bottles. While they're made from recyclable elements, that does not guarantee that the product will actually be recycled. In addition, growing evidence suggests just how detrimental the chemicals in plastic water bottles are to our health.
Once you've found your reusable bottle, try adding some zest to your water! Infuse your water with fruits, herbs, and spices.
Simply cut up your ingredients and add them to your glass bottle. Gently press with a spoon to disperse the flavor, then add your water to the glass and stir. Some delicious water infusions include:
- Lemon and lavender
- Strawberry and lime
- Watermelon and mint
- Blueberry and raspberry
- Rosemary and thyme
- Pear, ginger, and cinnamon
- Mint and cucumber
- Basil, mint, and cucumber
There are tons of flavor enhancers to choose from!
Additionally, warm water with lemon is a great way to start your day. Not only is it an excellent source of vitamin C, but it also aids the digestive system by helping to flush out toxins from the night before.
Here's to drinking your way to clearer skin, stronger muscles, and better health!
