About 60 percent of the human body is water, so it’s important to keep hydrated! You can live about three weeks without food but only three to four days without water. We often forget how important water is.
What does water do for you?
- Helps maintain the fluid balance in your body.
- Aids digestion as part of saliva.
- Helps circulate nutrients in your body.
- Aids in weight loss — it’s calorie-free.
- Keeps your skin moisturized.
- Helps you avoid muscle cramps— no need for sports drinks unless you’ve worked out in the hot sun or for more than an hour.
- Helps keep your kidneys healthy and avoid kidney stones.
- Lubricates your joints.
- Aids your body’s systems to naturally flush wastes.
- Regulates your temperature through sweating.
- Helps maintain normal bowel function.
Tips:
Water is our beverage of choice. Any fluid besides alcohol can hydrate you, but you may be taking in more calories, caffeine or other nutrients than you need. Here are some tips for staying hydrated:
- An easy way to get more hydration is to have a glass of water upon waking and then with every snack and meal.
- Juicy fruits and vegetables hydrate you too! Think grapes, tomatoes, oranges, etc. — you can get up to 20 percent of your daily fluids this way!
- If you don’t like water, flavor it without calories — add sliced fruit, vegetables and herbs for infused water.
- Drink before you are thirsty — especially important when exercising.
- Carry a bottle of water in your bag or keep one on your desk.
- Set an alarm on your smart phone to remind you to drink water.
NOTE: Some medical conditions require you to restrict fluid. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations!