With triple-digit “real feels” leaving us sweating it out in the city, it’s particularly critical to down enough H2O daily. Did you know that we lose 2-3 liters of water a day due to talking, breathing, sweating and going to the bathroom?
Most people know they should drink water and probably do not drink enough. So why is it so important to replenish the water we lose?
More Than a Thirst Quencher
While water is refreshing and slakes thirst, it also does the following:
- Keeps muscles, tendons, and ligaments supple, allowing them to tolerate stress, reducing the chance of injury.
- Provides better lubrication of joints, which aids movement.
- Reduces stiffness due to arthritis or general wear and tear.
- Improves skin quality, making it appear more youthful.
- Improve gastrointestinal tract and digestion.
- Allows oxygen and nutrients to penetrate cells, giving us more energy.
- Helps maintain the health of organs to help fight disease.
How Much Should I Drink?
Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces. If you are 200 pounds, for example, strive for 100 ounces. The more you sweat, the more water you need. On days you are more active, try to consume closer to your body weight in ounces.
How to Stay Hydrated
Here are some easy ways to ensure you drink enough water each day:
- Having a large water bottle with a straw during the day makes it easier to consume water.
- Flavoring water makes it easier to drink. Add lemon or sugar-free water flavors.
- Adding an electrolyte supplement to water can improve the taste and help the body absorb the water. If you are having a very active day, use the full serving, if not only half.
- A natural Gatorade for exercise is water with lemon, a pinch of sea salt, and a little bit of honey.
- Drink a large glass of water when waking up. Because a large amount of water is lost while sleeping, it is important to replenish it upon waking.
In addition to staying well-hydrated, getting adjusted is another healthy habit. Give your Midtown NYC chiropractic practice a call today to book an appointment!