You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a ‘Top 10’ list on social media these days. Everyone has a list of things to share. And here is another one. I think this list will actually be helpful if you pay attention to it.
Drinking water is one of the easiest and cheapest ways you have to improve your health. Our human bodies are 60% water and our blood is 90% water. Every organ and system in our body needs water to keep it working. We can last several weeks without food but only about three days without water.
Most people walk around dehydrated and don’t even realize it. You don’t have to feel thirsty to be dehydrated. Even mild dehydration causes skin breakdown and wrinkles, weight gain due to misinterpreted hunger signals, headaches, muscle fatigue, general fatigue, joint pain and many other symptoms.
There are so many reasons why you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. I’ll share ten of them here.
It helps to eliminate body waste
Water is needed in the colon to remove stool, the kidneys to remove urine and the skin for perspiration.
It lubricates and cushions the joints
The cartilage in your joints is made up mostly of water. Dehydration causes the cushion provided by that cartilage to dry up and eventually causes joint pain.
It helps to deliver minerals and water soluble vitamins to the body
These substances dissolve in water and are easily distributed throughout the cells with water.
It helps to regulate body temperature
When the body becomes overheated, the water stored in the layers of skin is released in the form of perspiration. When the perspiration evaporates it cools down the body.
It aids in weight loss
Often thirst masquerades as hunger so the next time you think you feel hungry, have a glass of water and wait a bit. You may find you don’t need that snack after all.
It helps you to think more clearly
When the brain does not get enough water, hormones and neurotransmitters are negatively affected and brain function diminishes
It helps to regulate blood pressure
Because the blood is made up primarily of water, dehydration causes the blood to thicken and increase blood pressure
It helps with exercise performance
Dehydration causes muscle cramping and diminished physical performance, along with fatigue.
It helps to prevent a hangover
Much of the “morning after” effect is due to dehydration. You can counteract that effect by alternating plain water with lemon and alcoholic drinks. You’ll wake up with less of a headache or maybe even none at all.
It keeps the skin looking younger and more supple –
Skin that lacks water look old and wrinkled. Maintain your youthful look by staying hydrated.
The bottom line is drink water as though your life depends on it…because it does.
My Story
Since June 2019, I decided to hold myself accountable for walking my talk. Several years ago, I was able to take off 135 pounds and essentially save my own life. I regained some of that weight in the last couple of years and I’m working my way back down. I’ve lost over 40 pounds since I began in June and have exercised nearly every day since August.
If you choose to join me on this journey, I hope I am able to impart some nutritional and lifestyle wisdom. Even though I may have gone off the rails temporarily I can still share some of my first hand experience as well as my acquired knowledge and training to help you make the right changes to live your best life.
Do You Want Help?
Would you like to have more energy, lose weight, sleep better, and balance your hormones? I am launching a 5 week Sugar Detox Program beginning January 14th.
This program is open to anyone who:
- would like to get control of their sugar cravings
- feel better
- have an abundance of energy
- and an overall increase in well-being.
Aren’t you tired of feeling bloated and lethargic?
If you continue to follow the path you’re on, where will it lead you in six months? a year? Isn’t it time to take a different approach?
What you have done in the past hasn’t worked or at least has not stuck. I can help you change that. Click here for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your challenges and your goals for the coming year and see if we’re a good fit. You have nothing to lose except those nasty cravings.
As a health coach, I work with women who are facing serious health challenges like heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes or who have been diagnosed as having a precursor to a serious health issue such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high blood sugar. I help them make food and lifestyle changes so they can get healthy, live longer and enjoy a fuller, happier, more energetic life. If you would like to have a free consultation about the health challenges you have and the improvements you would like to see in your health, click here to schedule a no strings attached call.
I am looking forward to embarking on this adventure of better food habits, better health, and, of course, better hydration! Thank you for serving as the guide!
It is my pleasure to work with you Alice. I’m excited to get started.
I too believe in the value of water and that is one of the few habits I have managed to make and keep consistently as far as health! This year, my focus is on exercise (again!)
Thank you for your reminder to stay focused
Vidya…I began to exercise regularly in early August. I do it every day with very few exceptions and it has become a habit for me. I’m so happy I started and powered through even when I didn’t feel like it. Now, I won’t go to bed unless I’ve exercised. Good luck. You won’t regret it.