Your body is approximately 70% water.
And because your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions, it’s by far the body’s most vital element.
Here’s a quick overview of why it’s so important for you to always be hydrated:
Water Transports and Metabolizes
Water is an essential element in transporting waste and fluids, as well as metabolizing food. Without it, the proper chemical reactions of digestion cannot occur.
The carbohydrates and proteins that our bodies use as food are also metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream. This makes water very important for transporting waste out of our bodies.
Water Removes Toxins
Water assists with moving toxins from the body. Adequate hydration is necessary to provide the fluids needed to flush out the body’s toxins and waste products.
Water also suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize and get rid of stored fat deposits.
Water Regulates Body Temperature
Water is essential for regulating the body’s cooling system.
It works by enabling the body to release heat when the temperature is higher than your body temperature. In other words, it gives us the capability to sweat, which cools the surface of the skin very efficiently.
Water does a lot for your body, but so many people don’t drink enough of it and don’t even realize they are dehydrated.
I understand it can be hard getting your full serving of water in every day. So in an effort to help you drink water, I’m going to pass along a few tips on how you can easily start adding more water into your daily routine.
Tip #1 – Set a Timer
Many people simply don’t think about drinking throughout the day. To get your daily recommend amount of water I suggest that you set a timer to remind you to drink throughout your day.
How to calculate your daily dose of water: Take your body weight, divide it by two, and turn that number into ounces.
Example: I weigh 160 pounds. 160 divided by 2 equals 80. I should drink 80 ounces a day.
Find a schedule that works for you, set your alarm, and you’ll be good to go.
Tip #2 – Drink a Glass of Water When You Feel Hungry
It’s very common for your body to thinks it’s hungry, when in fact, it’s just thirsty.
The next time your stomach grumbles, drink a glass of water before you grab a snack. Wait 20 minutes, and if the hunger goes away, you’ll know that your body was just thirsty.
As a bonus, this is a great way to help you naturally lose weight!
Tip #3 – Cut Out Soda and Sports Drinks
A lot of people favor the taste of soda or sports drinks over plain water. If these drinks are a temptation for you, don’t bring them into your home.
When water is your only option, you’re bound to drink more of it.
Tip #4 – Make Your Water Flavorful
If you find the taste of water…well, tasteless, try adding lemon juice, lime juice, or infusing it with fruit.
Simply fill up a pitcher of water, cut up your favorite fruits, and add them into the water. Let the container sit overnight in the fridge, and by morning you’ll have a delicious fruit-infused water drink.
Tip #5 – Make Water Easily Accessible
It’s important to keep water somewhere that is easily accessible.
For example, keeping a water bottle on your desk is a great way to prevent yourself from walking down to the soda machine and purchasing a drink.
Tip #6 – Bring a Glass of Water to Bed With You
Bring a glass of water to bed with you. Don’t drink it at night, but make it available to drink as soon as you wake up.
Drinking water as soon as you wake up helps you rehydrate and hold fluids better throughout your day.
Looking for even more ways to give your body the nutrients it needs?
Add these healthy smoothie recipes into your diet.
