Got Water?

Now that summer and warmer weather has (finally) arrived we have an increased need to monitor our hydration levels. The longer days, hotter temperatures, and increased level of activity influence the amount of fluids and minerals we lose daily, and consequently how much we need to replenish.

Water makes up more than half our body weight.  Every cell, tissue, and organ in our body is made up of water and needs water to function properly.  Water helps regulate our internal body temperature, eliminate waste, acts as a shock absorber for our brain and spinal cord, lubricates joints, forms saliva, and helps move nutrients through the blood stream for metabolic function.

Different people require different amounts of water to stay hydrated.  Factors that influence how much water a person needs can vary based on age, body weight, climate, level of exercise, lifestyle, and overall health.  A general rule of thumb is to drink 6 to 8 (8 ounce) glasses of water daily or half your body weight in ounces.  Another wise anecdote I learned in my studies, is to fill our bodies with one-third food, one-third water, and one-third breath, leaving space for spirit and insight.

Because we are all unique, it is helpful to become aware of how symptoms of dehydration affect our body and mind.  First, thirst is a sign that we are already dehydrated.  Additionally, symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and lips, muscle aches, pains, or cramping, fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, trouble concentrating, or even a shift in mood.  Little or no urine or urine that is medium to dark yellow in color (aim for a pale yellow) are also tell-tale signs of dehydration.  And for all those caffeinated coffee, tea, and soda drinkers out there, it is important to remember these beverages have diuretic effects, which have a dehydrating effect, and should not be included in for daily water intake.

Dehydration is not only due to lack of water, but also the loss of essential minerals (electrolytes) including calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.  Without electrolytes we would not be able to function.  A popular way, but not so healthy way, to replenish electrolytes is by drinking sports drinks.  Unfortunately, these sports drinks are often flavored with chemicals and sweetened with extremely high amounts of sugar.  These additives can cause irritation to the digestive tract and raise blood sugar levels. STANDWellness offers a healthy alternative to replenish electrolytes called Nuun tablets.  They come in a variety of flavors and contain 1 gram of sugar (sweetened with stevia), 10 calories, and are made from clean ingredients

If you are one of those people that find it difficult to drink water or are looking for a creative way to get your children to drink more water, try adding a Nuun tablet, sliced lemon or cucumber, or a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  These options can add flavor, aid digestion, and help alkalize and detoxify the body.  Drinking water at room temperature, as opposed to iced, is gentler on the system and does not require the body to work as hard.

Drink up!

By Stacy Cicola