I recently read a great article by Mayo Clinic, “Water: How much should you drink every day?” But it missed the very important link between hydration and heart health. So, I’m filling in the gap…Let’s talk about how much water should you drink everyday to heal your heart.
Water is important for your health, and most people aren’t drinking enough. Getting enough water every day is vital if you are trying to boost your health and lower your blood pressure.
Today we will go over why it’s important and some tips and tricks to make sure you are reaching your water goals!
Let’s start with an understanding of why you need to be drinking more water.
Why Is Water So Important?
According to usgs.gov, about 60% of the human body is made up of water! So, you can start to see why water is all the rage.
A person could survive months without food, but only days without water. Yes, water is more important to our bodies than food!
You can manage to get by on just a glass of water per day, but your body is going to function much more efficiently the more water that it has.
Water serves a wide range of functions in your body. Some of its key functions include:
- Flushing out waste
- Regulating body temperature
- Metabolize carbohydrates and proteins
- Forming saliva
- Lubricating joints
- Aids digestion
- Helps normalize blood pressure
- Stabilizes sodium balance
So, you can see why drinking water is so important. And you can read more about it at Harvard Health Publishing, “How much water should you drink?”
Water is also crucial in metabolizing fat. If you are trying to lose weight, drinking lots of water is going to help those pounds come off!
Now that you know why water is so important, let’s talk about how to know if you are dehydrated.
How To Know If You Are Drinking Enough
If you are not drinking enough water, you will show signs of dehydration.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Dark urine
- Infrequent urination
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Lack of focus
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Mood changes
- UTI
Yes, all of that from simply not drinking enough water! Here are more “Signs You are not Drinking Sufficient Water” from Rutgers.
If you suffer from one, or many of these symptoms, you are likely suffering from dehydration.
The good news is, there is an easy fix! Simply, start drinking more water. Next up, we will chat about how to make sure you are drinking enough water and some pro tips and tricks to up your intake!
How To Drink Enough Water Everyday
First off, how much water should you be drinking every day? U.S. News says, “The Truth About How Much Water You Should Really Drink” is about half your body weight in ounces.
This will ensure that you are drinking enough water to keep your body functioning at optimal capacity. And, if you are trying to lose weight it is going to help you burn fat quicker!
**Pro Tip: Get a 32oz water bottle and aim to drink 2-3 bottles per day.
In my many years as a health coach, I have found that keeping track of a big water bottle instead of counting a dozen glasses of water is much more likely. Also, when you are carrying around a big bottle of water everywhere you go you are more likely to remember to drink plenty of water.
DRINK IN THE MORNING
At night you lose a lot of water, so it is important to start re-hydrating as soon as you wake up.
Adding a little bit of Himalayan salt and lemon to your water will help your body absorb it better and give you a boost of morning energy. It is also great for your adrenal and nervous systems!
Another great way to boost your hydration in the morning is to skip the coffee and grab a cup of hot tea. Mayo Clinic says, “Diuretics” like coffee increase your urine output which dehydrates you.
In addition to being more hydrating, herbal tea can have a wide range of positive health benefits. For example, according to Healthline, one of the “10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea” is it can help aid in fat loss and increase brain function.
But what if I hate drinking water?
Try adding some lemon or fruit into your water for great taste, and some added vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes!
** Bonus! Check out these three delicious drink recipes to help you stay hydrated everyday!
In addition to the pH-balancing effects of lemon, ginger is packed with all kinds of health-boosting compounds. One of its many benefits is helping with digestion. Drink with your meals or when your stomach is feeling a little funky to help you feel better!
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, raw, unpasteurized local honey can even help alleviate symptoms! This action-packed tea is delicious and SUPER HEALTHY… So give it a try!
2. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is full of antioxidants that help fight inflammation, promote weight loss, and lower blood pressure!
(Learn more about the “7 Benefits of Hibiscus Tea” from Cleveland Clinic.)
Iced hibiscus tea is delicious and refreshing in the summer for a midday boost and a little extra hydration.
3. Beet Root Juice
Beetroot, as I talked about in my Top 10 Supplements To Lower Blood Pressure article, is great for helping blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. And, it can also help with period cramps!
(Here’s another “Menstruation tip – Drink a glass of beetroot juice during periods to feel energetic” from Cleveland Clinic.)
TIME TO GET HYDRATED!
Now that you know how to stay hydrated and healthy, it’s time to get started! Make an action plan so that you are making a conscious effort to drink enough water… Your body will thank you!
HAPPY DRINKING!