Making a commitment to drinking more water is a beneficial lifestyle choice that can improve your physical wellness. Water is essential to all forms of life on this planet. All our body’s major systems depend on water to function. Water helps us by:
- regulating our body temperature
- moistening the tissues in our eyes, nose, and mouth
- protecting the organs in our body
- lubricating our joints
- carrying nutrients and oxygen to our cells
- supporting our kidneys and liver with removing waste products
- supporting our body with absorbing minerals and nutrients
- supporting pain management
There are many guidelines for how much water we should consume daily, however, everyone’s water intake will look different depending on their lifestyle choices. Our urine will provide us with a good indication of our dehydration status, based on the color, as darker colored urine is a likely indication of dehydration. Certain factors require more water intake such as:
- residing in a region with a higher altitude, as your body will expel more water
- during hot weather, to support body temperature regulation
- when consuming a high fiber diet, to support bowel movements
- when consuming caffeine, to support hydration
- when consuming alcohol, to support hydration
- when exercising, to support hydration, regulate body temperature, and support muscle recovery
- when pregnant, to support bowel movements, regulate body temperature, and reduce fatigue
- when breastfeeding, as lactation places a great demand on the body, hydration will assist with bowel movement, breastmilk production, and reducing the likelihood of nipple problems
Outside of health benefits, water helps beautify us. It helps our skin with hydration and elasticity. Since it helps hydrate us, water helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and helps give our eyes a clearer appearance. Water also helps with our hair health by promoting growth and reducing the likelihood of brittle hair and split ends.
I try to drink at least 48 ounces (about 1.42 L) of water daily; I have found that carrying a water bottle daily has helped me drink water throughout the day. This inspirational water bottle from Amazon has been helpful to carry during the day. https://amzn.to/3WbV7nN
I also purchased a larger water bottle from Amazon here, https://amzn.to/3IN8oji but I have not been able to work my way up to this goal. I am fortunate that I can drink water without additions; although I am aware that people may need to add fruits or vegetables to their water for taste. Lemons, limes, berries, and cucumbers are popular choices. Grapes, grapefruit, mint leaves, oranges, and basil leaves are also good choices to add to your water. Sometimes if I want to make a low-calorie and low-sugar beverage for the warmer weather, I spruce up my water. Of few of my favorite recipes are:
- Strawberry lemon mint infused water
- 2 quarts of water
- 1 sliced lemon
- ½ pint of sliced strawberries
- ½ teaspoon of peppermint leaves
- Orange ginger infused water
- 2 quarts of water
- 2 peeled and sliced oranges
- ½ teaspoon of ginger
- Apple basil infused water
- 2 quarts of water
- 2 peeled, cored, and sliced apples
- ½ teaspoon of basil leaves
I serve my infused water in a shatter proof pitcher I purchased from Amazon https://amzn.to/3XewUP0. Amazon also has a larger option which can be used during family events https://amzn.to/3IJINIh.
If the infused water options do not work for you, you can still obtain water through healthy food choices such as low sodium broths, plain yogurt, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, oranges, tomatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, cauliflower, grapefruit, carrots, kiwi, eggplant, broccoli, apples, pineapple, and asparagus.
Even minor changes to water habits can be beneficial, so do not feel discouraged if you are not able to drink the recommended amount of water daily. You can commit to small lifestyle choices over time, to reach your hydration goal.
Wishing you health and happiness
My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 