ALL REGIONS
The Importance of Staying Hydrated
Annessa Chumbley, RD
/Dec 31st, 2014
What if I told you there was a simple, inexpensive, immediate solution to increasing energy, fighting winter fatigue, and helping your winter skin stay glowing instead of dry? There is! The pathway to all these benefits and more is to STAY HYDRATED!
It’s such a simple solution, so it’s often not given credit, but it’s often the main solution to fighting winter fatigue….and many other things.
Water is vital to every component of our bodies. It transports nutrients to cells; is a natural detoxifier; keeps our noses and throats moist; is necessary for healthy, glowing skin; and may even help with weight management. Being properly hydrated is a natural energy booster and can even have an impact on our memory. Not having enough water could reduce oxygen flow to the brain.
We often drink less water in the winter, because during the cold months, we are not as aware of our need for it. However, dehydration is a process that begins with fatigue, and moves into headaches, dry skin, & dizziness. It gets more intense from there, to low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fever and seizures. Being even 1 – 2% dehydrated means you cannot operate – or think- at your peak performance.
How much water should you be drinking? I personally recommend anywhere from 64 – 96 or more ounces a day. Start drinking a tall glass in the morning to get your muscles and blood moving, and then keep your water with you all day. This may seem like a lot, but when you feel the positive effects of staying properly hydrated, it will be the habit that you won’t forget!
To add variety & keep it flavorful, I love to add slices of winter fruit or fresh herbs. Pomegranate seeds, fresh cranberries, sliced grapefruit, orange, limes, or lemons are refreshing. Even a spring of basil or mint make that water taste amazing.
Remember, even the littlest bit of dehydration can have a significant affect on your mood and energy, which is why I like to think of water as, “Nature’s Energy Potion.” So this winter, tap into instant health and make sure you are staying well hydrated!
EVERY MORNING I HAVE A BOTTLE OF WATER WITH A I FULL LEMON OR LIME FRESHLY SQUEEZED IN MY BOTTLE TO START MY DAY!!!!
I DRINK SEVERAL GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY.
I EAT ORGANIC, AND TAKE SEVERAL VITAMINS EACH DAY AND HAVE SINCE I WAS IN MY TWENTIES, I AM now 76yrs. old and i am on NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
I EAT ORGANIC AND AM ON NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
Never realized how much I liked water until I gave up coffee in the morning. A glass of water with a fresh squeezed tangello is so much better tasting.
I generally agree. However, everyone’s body, diet and environment is unique. I would recommend each individual speak with their personal health care provider before embarking on any massive increase in their water intake.
I have read on medical sites that one can actually drink too much water and throw off their electrolyte balance. Some say 6 cups a day (48 oz) is plenty, depending on how much liquid is in your food and what other things you are drinking. My own doctor recommends 48-64 oz a day. 96 oz sounds excessive to me.
I’m no expert, but more isn’t always better. For instance, after a workout, I used to always drink lots of water. I wondered why I felt so fatigued throughout the day. Then, I changed to an 8-oz drink that helps replace electrolytes with some saline and felt much better. That really got me to rethink the “tons of water” theory.
Again, it’s a very individual thing. I hope anyone contemplating 96 oz a day checks with their health care professional first.
I recently began keeping water on my nightstand. I drink some after every nocturnal visit to the loo and when I wake up in the morning. I have always put a little bit of lemon juice in my water.
You commented about water increasing energy. I have read in a NNCP course that water has nutrients in the water, but it doesn’t increase energy. Now I am confused.