Water is the main component of our bodies. In fact, the human body is approximately 70% water. Certain body structures are made up of more or less water than others. For example, the brain is approximately 85% water, whereas the bones are 10%-15%. Water also plays a major role in almost ALL bodily systems and functions. Water is needed to:
Daily recommended consumption of water should be half your body weight in ounces. For example, a 200-lb. person should drink approximately 100 ounces of water. The recommendation of drinking half your body weight DOES NOT include items like coffee, tea, pop, energy drinks, sports drinks, etc. Most of these drinks have excess sugar and stimulants that can have detrimental effects on our bodies. If you do any physically demanding work (i.e. laborer or working out), or work in excessively hot areas (i.e. factories or outside during the summer), even more water may be needed to maintain adequate hydration levels. If you find yourself going to the bathroom more frequently after trying this, it is normal. Just give your body some more time to adapt.
Try adding a small pinch of organic sea salt (just enough that you don’t even taste it). This will help your body retain more water. Another tip, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 15 minutes before eating a snack. Dehydration can often mask as hunger. If you are still hungry after 15 minutes, then maybe try a eating snack. Also, try drinking your water closer to room temperature. This will allow the water to be absorbed quicker into your system. When you drink cold water, it can stay in your stomach longer until it is warmed up.
- Transport nutrients and oxygen into cells
- Moisturize the air in our lungs
- Help with our metabolism
- Protect our organs
- Help our organs absorb nutrients better
- Protect and moisturize our joints and muscles
- Help with detoxification
- Regulate body temperature
- Aid in brain and neurological functions
Are you drinking half your body weight?
Daily recommended consumption of water should be half your body weight in ounces. For example, a 200-lb. person should drink approximately 100 ounces of water. The recommendation of drinking half your body weight DOES NOT include items like coffee, tea, pop, energy drinks, sports drinks, etc. Most of these drinks have excess sugar and stimulants that can have detrimental effects on our bodies. If you do any physically demanding work (i.e. laborer or working out), or work in excessively hot areas (i.e. factories or outside during the summer), even more water may be needed to maintain adequate hydration levels. If you find yourself going to the bathroom more frequently after trying this, it is normal. Just give your body some more time to adapt.
Try adding a small pinch of organic sea salt (just enough that you don’t even taste it). This will help your body retain more water. Another tip, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 15 minutes before eating a snack. Dehydration can often mask as hunger. If you are still hungry after 15 minutes, then maybe try a eating snack. Also, try drinking your water closer to room temperature. This will allow the water to be absorbed quicker into your system. When you drink cold water, it can stay in your stomach longer until it is warmed up.
How do we know if we are dehydrated?
Side effects of being dehydrated:- Tiredness
- Migraines
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Irregular blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Dry skin
- Death (approximately 20% dehydration)
- Dark urine (dark yellow or orange)
- Dry skin
- Thirst (dry mouth and lips)
- Hunger
- Fatigue
What are some of the benefits of drinking the appropriate amounts of water?
Drinking the appropriate amounts of water can help you lose weight. It’s also a natural remedy for headaches and migraines. It can help make your skin healthy while looking and feeling younger. By drinking the correct amount of water you can boost work productivity by staying more alert and concentrated. It will improve your ability to exercise as well as aids with digestion and waste elimination. Consuming the right amount of water helps decrease the chances of cramps, sprains and strains in our muscles and joints, helps with the prevention of getting sick, and relieves fatigue and soreness. It even has been shown to play a major role in the reduction in the risk of cancer. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, here are some ways to add some flavor. Add real fruits, herbs and spices, rather than the artificial stuff that damages our bodies. Try adding:- Lemons, limes or cucumbers
- Mint or sage leaves
- Rosemary stems
- Apples and cinnamon
- Strawberries, blackberries or cherries
- Watermelon or pomegranate seeds
- Pineapples or pears
What’s the deal with bottled water?
Ideally, store your water in glass containers, especially if they are in hot and/or sunny areas. The water can actually absorb chemicals out of plastic if heated too much. If you drink bottled water, below are the top 10 rated bottled water brands from natural sources. They are more expensive, but as the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.”- Voss Artesian Water
- Saint Geron Mineral Water
- Hildon Natural Mineral Water
- Evian Natural Spring Water
- Fiji Natural Artesian Water
- Gerolsteiner Mineral Water
- Ferrarelle Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water
- Perrier Mineral Water
- Mountain Valley Spring Water
- Volvic Natural Spring Water
Michael applies this expertise to drive BIOKINETIX’s promotional and cross-channel marketing efforts, as well as develop initiatives within new technology and media.