Got a headache? Drink water.
Think you’re hungry? Drink water.
Feel lightheaded, dizzy, or brain foggy? Drink a glass of water.
Water may not fix your problem, but it’s a good start.
Because most of us don’t get enough of it. U.S. youth in 2005-2010 drank an average of 15 ounces of water per day, and U.S. adults drank an average of 39 ounces of water per day. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And guess how much water we need?
More than that.
Actually it depends on a person’s activity level, heat exposure, and current health. And if a person is running a fever, or vomiting or has diarrhea, they need more fluids.
Generally, though, we should consume half of our body weight in ounces of water per day. So a 150-pound person should drink at least 75 ounces, and a 200-pound person consume at least 100 ounces.
About 80 percent of our daily fluid intake comes from drinking water and beverages, including caffeinated ones – and the rest comes from our food. But plain drinking water, since it adds zero calories, can help with managing body weight and reducing caloric intake, especially when it’s consumed instead of sodas and fruit juices.
Tips to Help You Drink More Water
These tips come from the CDC and the National Institute on Aging:
- Consume broths and soups, as well as vegetables with a higher water content, such as celery, tomatoes or melons.
- Drink a full glass of water as soon as you get up.
- If you need to take a pill, drink a full glass of water.
- Keep a water bottle handy, so you can take sips throughout the day.
- Choose water when dining out. Not only will you save calories; you’ll save money, too.
I also sometimes add a slice of fresh lemon, or some mint, or berries to my water to give it a different taste.
However you get it in, drinking more water will benefit your body in numerous ways. It helps keep your temperature normal, lubricate and cushion your joints, protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, rid your body of waste through bowel movements, urination and perspiration.
So how much water do you drink each day? How do you remember to fit it in? What’s worked for you? Comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
I’m Amy Hoogervorst, an integrative health coach, offering grace and space for a healthier you. Thanks for joining me for Step 21 in the “31 Steps to a Healthier You” series, part of #Write31Days 2017. You can read what the series is all about here and catch up on past posts. If you don’t want to miss a thing, subscribe to get each one in your inbox.
