Hydration is where it’s at!
We have all heard that it is important to stay well hydrated. What does hydration do for our bodies and how much water should I drink each day?
The short answer is…it depends on your body!
A general suggestion is to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Or you can use your weight (in pounds) as a guide by dividing by 3 and drinking that amount in ounces each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you want to drink 50 ounces of water every day.
It is always best to discuss with your doctor your specific needs as your health conditions and medications can alter your hydration recommendations.
There are many benefits to staying hydrated:
maintain brain performance - even mild dehydration can affect your mood, thought process, reaction time and memory
aids digestion and detoxification - less bloating, constipation, heartburn and assists with waste removal
more energy and a healthier heart - staying hydrated helps your heart to work less and keep your electrolytes balanced
decreased joint pain and headaches - keeps joints well lubricated and brain tissue healthy
better temperature regulation - allows your body to release heat and tolerate humidity and hot temperatures better
As the weather warms up this summer, be sure to make changes to your water intake to adjust to the temperature and humidity outside and keep your body and brain happy!
