As the kids head back to school and the rest of us adults ease back into our regular routine, it’s important to maintain healthy habits to keep us performing at one hundred percent.
With water making up such a large portion of our bodies, it’s no wonder why it’s so essential. Dehydration is something to avoid at all costs so that we are in the best shape to tackle our busy days. Some things water does for us includes:
Helps carry oxygen and nutrition around the body
Flushes out bacteria
Aids in digestion
Normalizes blood pressure
Protects joints, tissue, and organs
Regulates body temperature
And more!
Since it helps us out so much, it’s important to get the right amount and debunk some rather persistent myths about water. Trust us, we’re guilty of believing more than a few things too!
Myth: Drink 8 Glasses of Water A Day
If everybody and every body is different, how could a one size fits all rule apply to everyone? It doesn’t!
The truth is that adequate water consumption varies from person to person. Things like eating more water-heavy foods, exercising, and your body weight all contribute to how much water you might need. A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces (increased if you are very active).
The good news is that most experts agree that following your body’s signals is usually more than enough to guide you. Are you thirsty? Drink some water!
You can also gauge if you’re drinking enough water by the colour of your urine. Slightly yellow is best! If it’s got more colour to it, you should probably think about increasing your water consumption. It isn’t an exact science, but just something to keep a casual eye on.
You can also find out more about urine colour and what they mean by checking out this article.
Myth: If You’re Thirsty, You’re Already Dehydrated
As we mentioned above, experts have debunked this one already! Simply reacting to your body is a smart way to stay hydrated, and no, if you’re thirsty you are not already dehydrated. However, maybe don’t wait till a glass of water sounds like the only thing in the world you want at that moment.
Myth: Only Water Hydrates
Instead of thinking about water as a standalone tool, use it alongside other hydrating tools.
If you didn’t already know, you should be getting a portion of your water from food! Certain fruits and veggies carry a ton of water and can help you get over the line for daily intake. Also, it isn’t all or nothing with water. Don’t think you’ll get all the liquid you need from those cups of coffee, juice, or other drinks, but they definitely have some!
Some foods high in water include: cucumber, tomato, watercress, apples, celery, lettuce, watermelon, peaches, broth, and zucchini!
Check Out Another Blog: Do You Need A Nutritionist? Signs That You Do!
Myth: Coffee Always Dehydrates
It used to be believed that coffee acted against your daily water intake, but depending on the person, the dehydrating effects of coffee are significant enough to make an impact.
For those who struggle with high stress or the stimulating effects of coffee, try dandelion tea! It is excellent for your liver, caffeine free, and taste like coffee! We also recommend drinking an organic fair trade coffee to avoid any less-than-ideal processing.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to coffee is that it’s highly depended on the person. Some people are absolutely fine drinking their morning coffee, while others might need to explore an alternative (I am happy to help you!).
Remember: with increased temperature, comes the need for more water! Let’s continue staying hydrated this summer, so we can enjoy it to the fullest!
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