Today I am passing along a friendly reminder for you to hydrate! If that's all you need, then don't even read on! Enjoy your glass of water. But, if you're looking for a reason to procrastinate a task, or have some time to spare, then DO read on to find out an accurate amount of how much water your body needs daily!
I don't know about you, but I am completely fascinated by the fact that the human body is more than half water!! If this has you in awe as much as it does me, can you please let me know, so I can rest assured I'm not the only NERD here!!!! 🤓🤓🤓🤓🤓
Considering that fact, then, water is a resource that is in high demand by every single part of your body (hence the purpose for the friendly reminder to hydrate consistently throughout the day). I am the person who needs to be reminded to drink water. I don't usually feel thirsty, except when I'm working out and talking way too much! So if you're in the same boat as me, let's hold each other accountable today.
Given the vast amount of space water takes up within your body, it does a lot. It regulates your body's temperature, eliminates waste products through urination, bowel movements and sweating; supports brain function, fights fatigue, lubricates your joints and contributes to supple, beautiful skin. Of course there's more. There's always more! But I'm doing my best to keep it simple today, and I'll bet you've heard it all before. I've included a couple links to the CDC and Mayo Clinic below in case you want to read up on it a little more.
Fluid Requirements: If you want to get technical on how much water you should be drinking a day, follow this formula:
Convert your body weight from pounds to kilograms: divide by 2.2. Example: (150 lbs/2.2 = 68kg) The average adult needs about 30-35 mL of water per kg body weight per day*. Example: 68kg 35mL = 2,380 mL Convert milliliters to ounces: divide by 30. Example: 2,380/30 = 79 fl. oz. How many cups is that? Divide by 8 (8 fluid ounces per cup). Example: 79/8 = about 10 cups *You may need more depending on the temperature, if you are ill with a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or constipation; if you're exercising, or if you're in a healing state.
Physical Signs of Poor Dehydration
You don't have to get technical. Pay attention to some physical signs. Number one sign is: are you thirsty!? Or, is your urine dark; has it been a while since you last went pee, are you peeing only a little bit? Does your skin look dry? Headaches, feeling fatigued, or decreased concentration can even be signs of poor hydration. Grab a glass of water. STAT!
Best Sources: Certainly 100% pure H2O is the best source for hydration. If you're feeling cold, drink hot water! Toss in a slice of lemon, lime or orange (that will also add a dash of hesperidin, a powerful antioxidant that can remain in your bloodstream up to 24 hours). Coffee and Tea do also count! Keep your caffeine intake to 300 mg or less per day (about 3 cups of coffee, or about 6 cups of black tea). Herbal tea contains NO caffeine, so hydrate as much as you like with this.
Here are those additional links mentioned above: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.htmlhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
Now go drink some water!