By: Stephanie McCombs
If you’re not drinking enough water on a daily basis dry nostrils, headaches, constipation, dry mouth or fatigue are just some of the symptoms you might experience.
For some people drinking the suggested eight glasses a day comes extremely easy. For others, it's quite hard. Take me for example. I would only drink water every so often throughout the day. For some reason, I didn’t have a taste for it. However, as time went on I found a way to add water to my daily routine. I began with buying the packaged bottled water. One bottle is 16 ounces; That’s two glasses already completed. In addition, I would consume another three glasses at the gym. By dinner time I've consumed five glasses of water. In an effort to get as close to eight glasses as possible, I aim to have another bottle of water giving me a total of seven glasses for the day.
“Why is water so important on a daily basis?” For starters, the body is made up of 50-75% of water. It uses water in all cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
H2O also keeps the tissues in the body moistened. When body tissues are hydrated it helps retain the level of moisture needed in sensitive areas as well as in the blood, bones and the brain. It also helps protect the spinal cord and acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.
When you lose water through breathing, sweating, and digestion it is important to refuel the body by drinking fluids and eating foods/fruits that contain water such as cucumbers, lettuce, celery, watermelon, strawberries, and grapefruit.
The kidneys, liver, and intestines use water to help flush out waste. Water also can keep you from getting constipated by helping your food move through your intestine tract.
The amount of water your body needs depends on your size, metabolism, the weather, the food you eat and activity levels. However, as mentioned earlier it is suggested to drink at least eight glasses a day.
If you’re ever in doubt about how much H2O you’re consuming you can always check the color of your urine. Clear, light means you are good to go. Dark means you are dehydrated.
Ways to drink more water:
• Morning habit- pour a glass at night, sit on your nightstand, and drink it the first thing in the morning.
• Reminders- Download a water tracker app (Daily Water App), set an alarm/calendar or let Galaxy or Siri remind you.
• Buy a water bottle (32 oz. or bigger)
• Keep lots of water nearby
• Put fruit in your water for taste (kiwi, lemon, grapes or strawberries)
Comment below what you use to help increase water consumption.
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