The human body weight is 50-60 % water. During the course of a day, you lose water through sweat, urination and even exhaling.
Why it’s important to maintain the water levels in your body (hydration):
- maintain your body temperature
- boost your metabolism
- lubricate your joints
- maintain healthy waste elimination
- helps reduce stress level (your brain is 70-80% water)
- combat fatigue
- nourish your skin
- reduces chance of kidney stones
When you don’t maintain a healthy water level, it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is known to cause: - muscle weakness and cramping
- a lack of coordination, dizziness
- headaches
- constipation
- fatigue
- heat exhaustion and heat stroke (especially in our warm climate)
- confusion
How can you tell if you are dehydrated?
- If you are thirsty, you are dehydrated.
- Your urine should be very pale or colorless. The darker the urine – the more dehydrated you are.
- Any of the symptoms above.
How much water should I drink daily?
Recommendations vary, but a good basic guide is (8) 8 oz. glasses per day. Generally they say you need to calculate ounces by multiplying your weight by .67 to give the total ounces needed daily. However, coffee, tea, milk, soda, fruit and vegetables also contain water and contribute toward the total.
If you are out in hot weather or are exercising, it is important to account for that by upping your intake.
What is the best source of drinking water?
The three primary sources of drinking water are: tap water, filtered water and bottled water.
The safety of tap water is regulated by the EPA which defines standards for allowable contaminants in the water supply. You can check the status of your local drinking water at www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html. The EPA can only regulate the water quality to your home. Once it is in your plumbing system, there is the possibility of bacteria, unwanted leads and minerals, etc. seeping into your water.
Did you know that about 25% of bottled water is just filtered tap water – including some of the most popular brands? It’s important to note that bottled water is not regulated by the EPA, but by the FDA, so quality data is harder to come by. Many studies have concluded that bottled water is no healthier than tap water. Often people just prefer the taste. For many, the cost of bottled water is a concern, and limits that option.
Filtered water provides the convenience of tap water, exceeds the safety standards of both tap and bottled water, saves money and is environmentally responsible by eliminating the need for disposable plastics. Water can be filtered through a reverse osmosis system under your sink – or with a whole house filtering system. The system can provide clean. safe drinking water through a tap at your sink or through your refrigerator.
Desert Mountain Water would be happy to help you find the drinking water solution that is best for you and your family.
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR WATER INTAKE
- Start your day with water. Drink a cup upon rising – before you start the coffee/tea intake.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal. An additional benefit is this will help with weight control by making you feel less hungry.
- Track your water intake – use an app on your phone, use a “smart” bottle with measurements, or simply tally it along with diet and exercise tracking.
- Use refillable water bottles for when you leave the house.
- Keep water handy – and refilled and sip throughout the day.
- Flavor your water with flavor packets or fruits – lemon, limes, cucumbers are good options. You can use frozen fruit to chill as well as flavor the water.
Make drinking the right amount of clean, safe water a regular part of your daily routine and you will see the benefits!
STAY HYDRATED!