Why you should be drinking Water...

I wanted to share with you my foundation for health - the CORE 5. They include Food, Hydration, Movement, Sleep and Stress Management.

If you can get these 5 areas at the right leve,l then you will likely see improvements in energy, your health status and your mood.

Today, I want to talk about healthy hydration. And more specifically water is often an overlooked part of health but it’s an easy place to start and can have dramatic effects on your body when you get the proper amount.

Depending on your unique body size, the amount of water your body requires will vary greatly. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces. For example, if your body weight is 150 pounds, then drinking approximately 75 ounces of water per day is a good minimum.

To adjust the amount up or down from the minimum consider the following: Activity, Caffeinated or alcoholic drinks and the temperature where you live.

With respect to your level of activity. The more active you are the more water you will likely need over the minimum.

Since both caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, if you are going to drink these you may want to adopt a “1-for-1” rule. So, for every caffeinated or alcoholic drink you have, you drink a glass of water.

As for the temperature, the hotter it is or the more you sweat - the more water you will require.

And, if you “listen” to your body, it will tell you if you need more. If your urine is on the light side, you’re likely drinking enough water.

If your urine is dark and there’s not much of it, then you’re likely not drinking enough water.

One tip for drinking adequate water is to fill a pitcher with your daily goal amount of water. Then pour each of your glasses for the day from that pitcher. That way you don’t have to count to know when you’ve succeeded. The pitcher will be empty.

I hope this information was helpful and useful.

For more information on healthy hydration, check this link to the CDC’s Water and a Healthier Drinks page.