by, Jo Carol Hebert

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Your Thirsty Body

Water makes up 70% of your body weight. Blood is mostly water. Your muscles, lungs, and brain contain a lot of water. Every system in your body demands water to function. 

Which of the following are functions of water?

• flushes toxins out of vital organs
• carries nutrients to cells
• protects joints and organs
• provides a moist environment for ears, nose, and throat.

You got it! All of the above.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half to get the maximum number of ounces of water you should drink each day.

Example:  At 160 pounds, you should drink 80 ounces of water. That’s ten eight ounce glasses.

Kids should drink 8 ounces of water for each year of age. Maximum 64 ounces over 8 years.

Twenty percent of your water needs will come from the food you eat. The rest of your water needs should come from the beverages you drink.

So, I Can Drink Sodas All Day?

There is a difference between other beverages and pure water. You do get liquids that count from sodas, fruit juices, coffee, and tea. But these drinks also contain substances like caffeine, salt, and sugar that can negate the positive effects of the water they contain.

But, I Don’t Feel Thirsty

A feeling of ‘thirst’ is not the sole guide for when to drink. (we lose a pint of liquid each day just by breathing). By the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be dehydrated (needing water). As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and may have a ‘lag time’ between the time your brain sends your body signals of thirst.

Even mild dehydration can make you tired, drain your energy, and impair activity and judgement. 

A Better You!

Simply by added water to your daily diet, your can receive these benefits:

• stronger, healthier teeth and bones
• clear complexion
• healthy urine and bowel movements

Won’t I Have to Run To The Bathroom All the Time?

The ‘bladder’ is hypersensitive to the increased amount of fluid, and you will have to go to a restroom a lot at first. But, actually, after a few weeks, your bladder adjusts and you ‘go’ less.

OK. How Can I Drink So Much Water Each Day?

Here are some helpful tips on getting that ‘liquid life’ into your body:

1. Drink a glass of water when you wake up 
2. Fill two 32-ounce bottles of water and freeze; carry them with you during the day
3. Drink a glass of water before each meal
4. Drink water with your snacks
5. Ask for water at your favorite fast food drive-through
6. Spread out your water intake throughout the day

WATER Is:

W – wonderful

A – available

T – tasteful

E – easy

R – refreshing

So, Drink Up!