Did you know that if you feel thirsty your body is seriously lacking water? Water is crucial to our survival and bodily functions. In fact, our bodies are 50-65% water. Infants have a higher percentage – 75-78% which drops to about 65% after the first year.
The majority of water is in the brain and lungs each composed of 80% water, but even our bones are 25% water. Basically, the whole body has some amount of water in it. It’s a crucial and important part of health and life. AND it is difficult to survive very long without water.
What water does in your body
- Fills the space in cells and between cells
- Holds the cellular architecture together
- Provides structure support for proteins and glycogen
- Energy production is dependent on water being present
- Healing works more effectively with waterDigestion, body temperature, skin elasticity are all affected by hydration
- Hormone function improves
- Liver detox functions better
- Carries nutrients, vitamins, minerals, proteins, hormones, and chemical messengers to their destinations
- Lubricates joints
- Flushes out toxins/ waste from all cells
- Cleanses internal organs
- Essential for detoxification
- Potentially decreases the risk of bladder, prostate, kidney, testicle and ureter cancers
Signs You’re Dehydrated
Do you think you only need water when you’re thirsty? The fact is, by this point you’re already 2-3% down in your body’s water requirement.
These signs are your body’s way of saying drink more water:
- Brain fog – the brain is 80% water – getting dehydrated slows down the ability to focus and think – neurotransmitter function is impaired
- Joint pain – water is needed to hydrate the joints
- Headaches – back to brain and water – sometimes just drinking water will relieve a headache
- Skin aging and wrinkles – water is a significant anti-aging tool!
- Infrequent dark urination – a sign that you aren’t drinking enough water
- You drink coffee – 2 cups of coffee decreases total body water by about 0.5%
How Much Water You Should Drink
The general rule of thumb is half of your weight in ounces. For example if you weigh 150 lbs. you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. This is over the recommended 8 glasses per day.
Also take into account if you’re exercising, detoxing, sick, pregnant or breast feeding. The climate you live in also affects hydration – the hotter the temperature the more water you need to rehydrate.
- For exercise – drink 1-2 extra 8 oz glasses for every hour of exercise
- Detoxing or cleansing – add 20-25% more water to your daily intake to support the process
- Illness – staying hydrated, especially if there’s vomiting, diarrhea, fever or urinary tract infection is crucial
- Pregnant – when pregnant use your weight to determine the amount.
- Breast feeding – drink at least 2-3 more 8 oz. glasses per day on top of your minimum intake
What About Children?
Children should also be drinking half of their weight in ounces. If your child weighs 50 lbs they would drink 25oz of water per day. Starting your child drinking water will start a healthy habit and support their body.
Can I add…
Some people say they don’t like the taste of water. If that’s you try adding a squeeze of lemon, a little sea salt or even purchase an electrolyte solution (watch for added sugar). You could also add a splash of another juice but that’s a splash not an ounce 😉
The main thing is for you to drink water!
When you maintain your hydration your body thanks you by working a lot better. Who knows, it might even cure some of those symptoms you’ve been having!
