When you aren’t used to drinking water, it can feel like a chore. Even though many people know the importance of hydration to the body, they still struggle with consuming the recommended daily amount of water every day.
To stay hydrated and maintain optimal body function, you should drink the appropriate amount of water. However, not everyone finds it easy to drink so much water every day. That does not mean that you will harm your body when you fall short. But drinking the daily recommendation is essential.
Consuming a lot of water may be difficult at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. It is easier to gradually increase your water intake as you indulge in your daily activities.
How Much Water Do You Need on a Daily Basis?
Water is an essential part of our everyday health. It’s responsible for regulating our body temperature, the removal of waste, and our brain function. Your body needs so much water every day to stay healthy, comprising nearly 60% water. Your heart and brain comprise almost 75% water, while your lungs comprise almost 85% water. Health experts generally recommend eight (8-ounce) glasses of water per day, which equates to about 2 liters, or half a gallon.
So, how much water do you need on a daily basis? According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink 125 ounces of water per day, while women should drink 91 ounces. This may include fluids from water or beverages. You can also get an average of 20% of your water from the foods you eat.
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The Functions of Water in Your Body
How does water help your body? Water is involved in a number of bodily functions. It functions in nearly every system in our bodies, from the secretion of sweat, production of saliva to waste elimination. Here are some of the functions of water in your body;
- Water is essential for proper brain function and the health of our body’s tissues.
- Staying hydrated can help you avoid headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain.
- Due to increased collagen production, hydrated bodies have glowing skin.
- Water helps you lose weight and gain energy. Staying hydrated can help boost your metabolism, allowing you to generate and burn energy more efficiently.
- Water suppresses your appetite and aids digestion. This aids in the absorption of your food as well as the elimination of waste.
- It aids in the fight against illness and keeps your blood healthy. Water also helps to defend your body against certain illnesses and the prevention of common medical problems such as kidney stones, hypertension, constipation, and more.
- When you drink the recommended amount of water per day, it aids in the circulation of oxygen throughout your body, promoting the health of your organs and tissues.
How to Stay Hydrated Every Day
Consuming the daily recommended water quota is easier than you think. The more you pay attention to your water consumption, the easier it will be. Before you know it, you will be drinking enough water as required, and you will feel healthier and happier.
Here are some simple water-intake methods that will keep you hydrated and happy.
Drink an 8-ounce glass of water whenever you eat
Drinking an 8-ounce glass of water whenever you eat will help you consume 24-ounces of water without even thinking about it. Consuming water during your mealtime is the ideal beverage to aid digestion. It also helps in reducing your caloric intake for the day.
Don’t put off drinking until you’re thirsty
Water is essential to life. Every day, we lose water through urine, sweat, urine, and excretions every day, so drinking water throughout the day is critical. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink water.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
While water is the best way to stay hydrated, other foods and drinks can also help. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content, which counts toward your daily water consumption. Cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes and other vegetables, as well as fruits like grapes, and watermelon are high in water content. Drinking milk, fruit and vegetable juices, milk and herbal teas can also contribute to your daily water intake. However, try as much as possible to limit your consumption of soda and coffee — it’s best to take them in moderate amounts.
SEE ALSO: 5 Nutrient-Rich Fruits You Can Eat For A Healthy You
Always keep a bottle of water with you
Carry a bottle of water with you throughout the day. You can also save money by carrying a reusable water bottle that you can easily fill up. When you feel hungry, drink water because sometimes you may confuse hunger with thirst. While drinking water may not satisfy your hunger, it can help fill you up. If you don’t really like the taste of plain water, you can try mixing it up with a slice of lime or lemon.
Have a water-drinking schedule
If you don’t always remember to drink water, you can create a schedule. Drink water when you wake up in the morning, before and after your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drink water before you go to bed. When you go to the gym, ensure you drink water before and after your workout session. You could also have a schedule to start every hour with a glass of water. There are apps that can help you drink more water. Apps like WaterMinder, Aqualert and Hydro Coach can help you drink the appropriate amount of water all through the day. These apps have gentle reminders and helpful hints that make drinking enough water a breeze.
“Drinking water is like washing out your insides. The water will cleanse the system, fill you up, decrease your caloric load and improve the function of all your tissues.” – Kevin R. Stone
Water is an essential component of daily health. Thus, drinking water and eating high-water-content foods will help keep your body hydrated and functioning at its best.
Keep in mind that staying hydrated is critical to your health and well-being!
Hey Joyfreshers, how much water do you drink every day? How many hours apart should you drink water? How do you make sure you drink up to 8 glasses of water a day? Let’s discuss below!
