Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Drinking enough water daily is very important to maintain optimal health.  Our bodies are comprised of 70% water.  In our bodies, blood, organs, muscles, lungs, and the brain all contain water.  Water also has an important role in our bodies at the cellular level.  Cells require water to transport oxygen and to metabolize nutrients as well as transport blood through out the body.

Water consumption not only benefits our internal systems in the body, but also helps to maintain hydration in our external system, our skin.  Drinking water minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes healthy and radiant looking skin.

Mild dehydration and fatigue during the day is attributed to a lack of water consumption.  Symptoms of mild dehydration include the recurrence of chronic pain in joints and muscles, as well as headaches, and constipation.  We lose water daily through respiration and urination. Your urine characteristics can also show you if you are dehydrated.  For example, if your urine is bright yellow and has a strong odour, you could be experiencing dehydration from not drinking enough water.

So how much water should you be drinking on a daily basis?  It is recommended that you consume 8 glasses of water daily.  However, if you exercise regularly or even if you are trying to lose weight, your water consumption should be increased to up to 12 glasses of water daily.

Do you find it difficult to consume 8-12 glasses of water daily?  Do you require an extra kick or punch to make your daily water consumption easier?  Are you looking to improve the taste of water?  Try the following tips to make water consumption a little more flavourful and colourful!

Adding a Splash of Flavour and Color to Your Water!

• Put a handful of assorted frozen berries in your water bottle.  The frozen berries will keep your water cold and as the day progresses, they will naturally flavor your water.
• Add fresh lemon and lime slices to your water to have a citrus flavored water.
• Add fresh mint or basil leaves to your water to give it a burst of fresh flavor.
• Add fresh cucumber slices to your water to give it a cool and crisp flavor.
• Add fresh ginger to your water to give it a spicy flavor.
• Add herbal tea bags to cold water combined with ice and enjoy ice tea.

Hopefully these tips help you increase your water consumption and stay hydrated!!!
 
Stay tuned for some more health and wellness tips and recipes from U Weight Loss Clinics® in Edmonton and St. Albert!