Staying Hydrated

Our bodies rely and thrive on water in more ways than one.  As a general fact, water makes up at least half of your body weight, and every cell, tissue, and organ relies on water to function efficiently and correctly.  As we approach spring and summer, days will become longer and hotter, and if you're in the south, more humid!  Although we don't quite realize or feel it, our bodies constantly need and use water on a very regular basis, such as to lubricate joints, maintain its temperature, and remove waste.  To avoid becoming dehydrated, it's important to continue to intake a sufficient amount of water daily. Our bodies tend to lose moisture and water through several different ways, such as:

-Sweat

-Urine/Bowels

-Crying

-Breathing (exhalation)

-Vomit/Diarrhea

To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink water as often as you can, even when you don't feel thirsty. Most people have been told to drink at least 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water daily. However, everybody is different and may need more or less water than the general amount given.

An effective and easy way to tell if you're getting enough water is to check the color of your urine. If it is consistently colorless or light yellow, you are more than likely getting enough water. However, if your urine is medium, dark, or almost an apple juice color, this means your body is dehydrated and is in need of some H20.

There are several symptoms that may occur if you are dehydrated. Some of these include:

-Little or no urine at all, or very dark yellow urine

-Dry mouth

-Sleepiness or fatigue

-Extreme thirst

-Headache

-No tears or small amount of tears when crying

-Light-headedness or dizziness

-Confusion

The important thing to remember is not to wait until you start experiencing some of these symptoms! Be sure to consistently drink enough water all the time. You may also want to consider drinking more water than usual if you:

-Have certain medical issues, such as kidney stones, UTI, or bladder infections

-Are going to be exercising

-Are trying to lose weight

-Are pregnant or breast-feeding

-Are going to be outside in hot weather

-Have a fever or have been vomitting, or have been having diarrhea

Tips For Staying Hydrated

*Carry a bottle of water with you during the day; make it a reusable bottle so you won't have to waste money, time, and the environment on buying a plastic bottle of water everytime you get thirsty.

*When you eat out at a restaurant, order a glass of water. It's free and good for you!

*If plain water gets boring, add a slice of lemon or lime to change things up.

*If you know you're going to exercise, be sure to drink water before, during, and after your workout.

*If you get hungry, drink some water first. Feeling thirsty is commonly mistaken as feeling hungry. If you really are hungry, then you will not feel satisfied by just drinking water. Also, drinking water may help you lose a bit of weight, since it will give you the sensation of feeling full. 

*Start your day with a glass of water, and end your day with a glass of water!

*If you are forgetful about drinking water, try to create a schedule. Try to drink a glass at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or plan on drinking a glass of water at the top of every hour.

For more information on staying hydrated, go to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).  If you're planning on working out and you want an estimate of how much water you should be drinking, use their Hydration Calculator.

Just remember to stay consistent and to keep hydrated!