Water: The Forgotten Macronutrient
I'm not going to prolong the entire point of this article: YOU NEED MORE WATER.
Yes, YOU.
I bet if you really tracked all the water you drank during a 24 hour period, it would end up short of the recommended 120oz. you SHOULD be drinking for optimal health. The hotter, more humid your climate, the more water you will need. Water intake also varies based on factors such as your activity level, how much you sweat per day, and any medical conditions you might have. Note: If you do have any medical conditions, I highly suggest discussing with your doctor what the proper amount of water is for you specifically.
What makes water so important? Let's find out, shall we?
WHAT WATER DOES INSIDE THE BODY
1. Water is our transportation system for all nutrients. It also accounts for roughly 60% of our bodies.
2. Water is used to regulate the body's temperature within each and every teeny-tiny cell.
3. Water is used in all biochemical processes. (Remember those equations in chemistry? How every.single.one. had H2O in them? There ya go. The more you know.)
4. Water keeps you from being constipated.
5. Water keeps ALL the body's tissues hydrated.
6. Water is used to create all the fluids that keep joints and spinal column lubricated and healthy.
Not convinced that water is UBER-important? Let's move forward then...
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T DRINK ENOUGH WATER?
1. You get dehydrated and run the risk of death if the dehydration is severe enough, since your body cannot deliver what your organs need to survive.
2. You can't poop as efficiently. Good luck with that. May peace be with you.
3. You run a risk of developing kidney stones.
4. You don't burn body fat as easily as you would if you were hydrated properly.
5. Your performance in the gym or with any activity will diminish substantially. Your muscles need water to function at their best.
While this is just a very quick list of potential problems with not drinking enough water, there are many, many more.
"I HATE DRINKING PLAIN WATER, THOUGH!"
I feel you. I'm not always a fan of plain tap water, either. The great news is, you don't have to JUST drink plain tap water! The main reason most health professionals suggest that first and foremost is because it's readily available AND it's free. Here are some other ways you can stay hydrated without drinking basic tap:
"BUT HOW DO I KNOW I AM DRINKING ENOUGH WATER??"
Ahh, very simple test to perform here. The next time that you go to the bathroom, before you flush, check out the color of your urine. Here's the easy way to remember if you're good or not on hydration:
If your urine is this color, YOU NEED MORE WATER NOW:
If your urine is closer to this color, you are on track to properly hydrating:
So, if you want to make sure you are well-hydrated on a regular basis, the easiest thing to do is to eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables, make sure you are drinking fluids throughout the day consistently, and do the toilet check whenever necessary.
Have questions about this article or anything else related to health, nutrition, or fitness? Contact me via email or the "CONTACT" tab above, and I would be happy to help!
- Bonnie -
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