Why is drinking water so important?

I have been guilty of not drinking water as a child and even up to my early 30's because I just never felt thirsty or would drink sodas or juices. Once I understood the importance and benefits of drinking water, it connected the dots to many of the respiratory issues I was having. Becoming aware of this has made a huge impact on my health and am now feel so encouraged to remind others to stay hydrated.

According to doctors, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration has truly become an epidemic. 

“60 percent of our bodies is composed of water, 75 percent in our muscles, 85 percent in our brains, it’s like oil to a machine,” explained Dr. Roberta Lee. 

So how do we know when we're dehydrated? Our body lets us know when we experience:

• Headaches or migraines
• Cramps
• Fatigue
• Constipation or other digestive issues
• Not peeing or having bright yellow, smelly urine
• Dry mouth, lips, or skin
• Rapid breathing

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It's no wonder so many people are suffering from health issues.

So What Are The Benefits of Drinking Water?

• Increases energy levels
• Helps to absorb vitamins and nutrients 
• Encourages healthy weight
• Rids toxins by supporting the lymphatic system
• Supports healthy skin
• Improves the digestive system
• Prevents and alleviates headaches 
• Strengthens the immune system

How much water should I drink?

Even though the general suggestion is 8 cups a day, we all have such different body types and lifestyles. The equation that has resonated the most with me is: HALF YOUR WEIGHT IN OUNCES (minimum). Athletes or people who are more physically active will likely need to drink more. 

When should I drink water?

It is so common to go to a restaurant and receive a glass of water with a meal. However, we recommend to not drink a full glass of water with your food, otherwise, the digestive juices are diluted and it can interfere with the digestion. A sip here and there is fine, but drinking water about an hour before or after food is ideal,  especially first thing in the morning.

Water Tips

• Make sure to drink clean, filtered spring water.  We love to use the Berkey filter. (Use health coach Diane Kazer's code warrior5 for a 5% discount.)
• If you want to supercharge your water, you can add trace minerals.
• Have a special glass or stainless steel water bottle that you love and take along with you. Avoid drinking out of plastic bottles so that you aren't getting any extra BPA in your system, plus it's better for the environment to have a refillable bottle.
• Drink either room temperature or warm water so that your body can absorb it more quickly and aid in digestion. 
• Not a fan of drinking water? Make it fun by squeezing something yummy in it like:
  
  •  Lemon, grapefruit, or orange juice 
    
  • Add a few raspberries
    
  • Cucumber slices
    
  • Mint

How is this related to massage?

After every massage, the first thing we do is offer a glass of room temperature water to our client to support the cleansing process of activating the blood circulation. One of the questions on our massage intake is, how many ounces of water are you drinking per day? That way, we can check in and make sure you are getting enough water in your system. 

Found this info helpful and want more?! 

Book a Health Coaching Session with Michael or Marisa

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Sources

Elemental Bottles.14 overlooked benefits of drinking water.  https://www.elementalbottles.com/blogs/news/14-overlooked-benefits-of-drinking-water

NHS Inform. Dehydration - Illnesses and Conditions. Feb. 19, 2019.  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/dehydration