Water is the most basic and most important substance on the planet, and it makes up 60-70% of our bodies.
It is in the air we breathe, and the plants we eat, and it’s so vital, that we can only go a few days without it.
The average person doesn’t drink enough water, if any water at all. Instead, they substitute other beverages for water, thinking it’s the same thing.
You can however, only sustain life for a while by drinking soda, coffee, tea, juice etc. Unlike water, these drinks don’t provide the same energizing and cleansing effects that your organs, bones, joints, and digestive system needs to live a healthy, vibrant life.
How much water is enough
A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces each day!
For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, your daily water intake should be 100 ounces.
If you exercise, or it’s hot outside, you’ll need to drink more to make up for the amount you sweat.
An easier way to keep track of water intake is to drink enough water to produce clear urine. Remember if you are detoxing, getting a massage or other holistic treatments, it is important to drink more water than usual, as you need to transport the released toxins out of your system.
Clean water
Make sure you have access to clean water.
Did you know, here in the US you can find PFAS, lead, fluoride and arsenic in our tap water!
Even if you buy supposedly “spring water’ in bottles, you still use your tap water for showering, cooking and laundry.
Unless you have well water, I would recommend you have a filter system installed to your ingoing water supply. That way you have clean water everywhere in the house.
Benefits of drinking water
Water provides an energizing and cleansing effect for your organs, bones, joints and digestive system.
The minerals and nutrients you get from your food needs water to dissolve and go where they are needed the most in your body.
Let’s look some of the most important benefits of drinking enough water.
Your body will love you for it.
Weight Loss
Water is a zero calorie beverage. When you replace your sodas, alcohol, juice and so on with clear water, you are not indulging in unwanted, extra calories.
Also, sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are really just thirsty.
So next time you reach for that snack, you know you don’t need, drink some water instead!
Skin Health
Drinking water provides your skin with hydration, which can make your skin clearer, fresher, and smoother.
When your body has enough water, your system will flush out toxins properly, instead of through your skin. This will diminish blemishes and give your skin a healthy glow.
It also helps regulate your body temperature, as it stores in the middle layer of the skin. When you sweat, the water comes to the surface of your skin where the evaporation helps keep your temperature down.
Digestive Health
Your digestive system needs water in order to properly digest your food.
We are often told to eat more fibers for a healthy digestive system. However, if you don’t drink enough water, these dietary fibers can’t do what they are supposed to.
Dietary fiber is found in all kinds of fruit, berries and vegetables. They have an ability to bind liquid and become a jelly-like mass, which helps both the viscosity of the intestines, and the absorption of nutrients.
If you do not get enough water, this process doesn’t work optimally, which can lead to poor digestion, such as acid reflux, diarrhea, poor absorption of nutrients and constipation.
80% of our immune system is in our digestive system, so we really want this to be as healthy as possible!
Kidney Health
The kidneys are your body’s toxin and waste eliminators.
Without water, your kidneys will struggle; and instead of getting rid of toxins, they will hang on to everything in an effort to protect your body against dehydration.
Help your kidneys to do their job by giving them a steady flow of water.
In the beginning, you may need to use the bathroom more often – but don’t let that be the excuse!
As you develop the healthy habit of drinking more water, the frequency will subside.
It’s a good idea to carry a water bottle everywhere. Drink a little, but very often.
Remember: if you feel thirsty, you are already on your way to dehydration!
Improved Exercise Performance
When your body is dehydrated, you will experience less energy, stiffer joints, and tighter muscles. When your body is properly hydrated, all of these areas will improve, leading to a more productive workout.
Drink water a few hours before, and also during, and especially after a workout for optimum performance.
