Chances are reasonably high that at some point someone has told you that drinking more water or “hydrating” is good for you. But why? Let’s dive into what happens when you don’t drink enough water, some of the huge benefits if you do, how much and simple tips to get there.
Fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, constipation, dizziness, and dry skin are just some of the symptoms of dehydration or insufficient water in the body. That’s not a very fun list and some of those symptoms can get extreme if not addressed. But on the flip side of that, adequate hydration can not only reverse the symptoms of dehydration but has some amazing benefits of its own. By focusing on staying hydrated you’re helping your body flush out toxins, boost performance during exercise, cushion your joints, and can even increase your metabolism.
Those are some serious benefits, so how do we get there? Hydration is a habit that we can develop with some simple lifestyle shifts:
- Keep a glass of water by your bed to drink when you wake up
- Carry a bottle with you during the day
- Add some flavor to your water (sugar free please!)
- Set a reminder on your phone or use an app
- Take water breaks and sip before you snack
So now that we’re drinking more water, how do we know when we’ve had enough? Since hydration isn’t one size fits all, trying to drink half of your body weight in ounces is a great place to start. From there you can adjust your intake based on how you feel and your urine color. A pale yellow or straw color is what we’re shooting for. If you’re running to the bathroom every ten minutes or your urine is clear you might need to back off a bit, but any darker than straw and you’re on your way to dehydration.
Overall hydration is simple but vital. By consistently focusing on better hydration habits, we can make a significant change in how our bodies look, feel, and function.