Water!!
So simple, yet so under estimated! Water is the foundation of life! Water generates life on the planet. Without water, there is nothing!
How long do you think you can go without water? You can probably go without food for a few months before you perish, but you can only go a few days without water. Every biochemical reaction that happens in your body can only happen when there is water present. Every organ in your body needs water to function properly.
We need water to survive
Too many people suffer from headaches, joint pain or over eat, simply because they are dehydrated! Worse of all, they probably don’t know it. Backaches, headaches, and digestive problems may be caused by dehydration.
Instead of just drinking more water, they will pop more pills to manage the pain or think they have no will power when it comes to eating because they think they are hungry, when in reality, they are just thirsty!
So, next time you think you need a snack try to drink water instead and see what happens!!
The human brain is 85% water. When we deprive body cells of water, they start to react differently. The human body is composed of 25% solid matter and 75% WATER!
How to drink more water
Now, it doesn’t matter how you are going to do this but set yourself this goal to drink at least 2 L of water every day.
Start with a glass of water just when you get out of bed, have another one at breakfast. Then put a water bottle next to you at your desk in the office. Drink while you eat lunch or after (some experts say you shouldn’t drink while eating as it can change the acidity in your stomach that is needed for digestion). Same thing in the afternoon and for dinner.
Remember to drink a little less in the evenings so your sleep won’t be interrupted by bathroom breaks.
Finally, a good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water for each coffee or tea that you drink. The caffeine in coffee or tea (or soda – but don’t drink soda!! ;)) is a diuretic and will make you pee and you therefore lose water, so to make up for the loss remember to drink an extra glass of water for each cup of tea and coffee!
If water becomes boring, then add some lemon (great for digestion and rehydration, by the way) or drink sparkling water. Ideas are endless.
Water is the driving force of all nature. - Leonardo da Vinci
Dehydrating drinks:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
These drinks contain water, but also contain dehydrating agents. Do not treat dehydration with these drinks.
How much water do we need?
Some say drink when thirsty, some say 2 L per day, and some say up to 3,5 L per day.
Your water needs are based on:
- Age
- Activity
- Climate
- Diet
- Health concerns
Pay attention, that if you drink too much water it can disrupt your sleep and create mineral imbalances. BUT too little water or dehydration can cause fatigue, hunger, headaches, sugar cravings and confusion.
How do you prefer your water? Share in the comments below.
Here are some great books about water, if you are interested:
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