article by: Top Fitness magazine
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Your body is made of 60 percent water, so drinking plenty of water is an important part of staying healthy. In fact, most of us don’t drink enough water each day and it can be really detrimental to our overall health. Here is why it’s so important to stay hydrated and some tips for drinking enough water each day.
Why Hydration is Important
Banish Bloating
When you’re dehydrated, your body will hold on to water and salt in an effort to keep functioning properly. This can lead to bloating. Drinking more water will decrease bloat and help you look slimmer.
Helps Your Muscles Work
When you’re hydrated, your heart pumps blood through your body more easily.
With more blood running throughout your body, your muscles will work more efficiently.
Maintains Your Digestive System
Drinking water can help keep your digestive system moving and prevent constipation. This is another reason why staying hydrated will help you feel less bloated.
Good for Your Kidneys
Your kidneys filter and flush toxins from your body. When you don’t get enough water, it creates more work for your kidneys and can lead to kidney stones. Keeping yourself hydrated will help your kidneys function better.
Makes Your Skin Look Better
The key to younger-looking skin is hydrated skin. As you age, your skin loses moisture and elasticity. Dehydration can make dullness and fine lines look even more pronounced. Keeping hydrated helps your skin look plumper and brighter.
Signs of Dehydration
The signs of dehydration range from the obvious to the strange. Here are a few things to look out for.
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Tired or fatigued
- Decreased urine
- Dark-colored urine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
How to Stay Hydrated
A good general rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day. So if you weight 150 lbs., you need to drink 75 ounces of water. However, that number can change depending on how much you exercise, your height, how much caffeine you drink, and more. Half your weight (or more) in ounces of water can be a lot. Here are some easy ways to help you actually drink all that water.
Carry a Water Bottle
Bringing a water bottle with you will remind you to drink throughout the day so you don’t get dehydrated. There are lots of cute and convenient reusable options that will save you money on buying plastic bottles and that are better for the environment.
Drink Before Every Meal
Before you start eating, drink a full glass of water. This will not only remind you to drink at least three glasses a day, but it could even help you lose weight. Your brain sometimes confuses thirst with hunger, so drinking water first can prevent you from overeating.
Add Natural Flavor
If you really don’t like water, staying hydrated can be difficult, and it can be tempting to grab a soda when you’re thirsty. Instead, add natural flavors to your water with fruit and herbs. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and mint all make water delicious.