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Hydration Hacks (Because You Probably Aren’t Drinking Enough Water)

November 29, 2017

Water you doing with your life?! It’s probably safe to assume that if you’re reading this, you know on a basic level that water is really good for you. The human body is made up of 60% water, give or take. So, in order to keep all our organs in working order, water is key. (Hint: skin is the body’s largest organ) In this article, we’ll break down the beauty and health benefits of water - plus tricks to make sure you get all your mls in.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Water?

For starters, water is pretty great. I mean, it has zero calories, so you’ll never feel guilty for drinking too much of it. Besides the diet aspect, there are a range of benefits that water provides to the body. The most important ones are increased energy levels, an improved mood and clearer thinking. Plus, drinking enough water can help you look your best. Since skin is the body’s largest organ, when it is hydrated it will look and feel more healthy.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Drink Enough Water?

When you don’t get the proper amount of hydration in your system, your brain function, endurance levels, concentration level and physical performance can take a hit. When your body is exposed to high temperatures that cause your body to sweat or when you do a lot of exercise it is even more important to make sure you are drinking enough water.

How Much Water Should You Consume on a Daily Basis?

Ok, I bet you’re dying to know how much water you should be drinking, right? Fluid consumption requirements are actually based on a few different factors such as weight, where you live and how healthy you are. However, for the average healthy adult who lives in a temperate climate, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have determined that men should consume about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid per day and women should consume 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day. Surprisingly, this recommendation includes fluid from not only liquids, but food as well. Did you know about 20% of your daily fluid intake usually comes from food? You’ve probably heard about the whole ‘drink 8 glasses a day’ thing before, which is a good way to remember how much to drink. However, everyone is different and requires different amounts of fluid to feel hydrated. Start at 8 glasses if that’s easier to remember and then adjust based on how you feel.

Pencil in your H2O

In theory, drinking the recommended amount of water per day sounds easy, but actually doing it is a whole different story. Bringing your water intake up is all about making a routine, so here’s some easy ways to get you there: -Take a reusable water bottle to work and refill it at least two times a day. - Use a large bottle with the measurements marked, so you know exactly how much you've had. - Alternatively, pick a smaller bottle and keep track of how many times you get up to fill it (they even sell ones with a rotating tracker on it), it’s a great way to make sure you're up and moving every hour -Take the guesswork out: download an app to help you track your daily intake and send you reminders for when it’s time to chug, it may also be a function of your fitness app if you use a Fitbit.