Staying properly hydrated is crucial to your health. But there is some debate on how much water is necessary to maintain proper hydration. It’s safe to say that with all the various body types, sizes and levels of activity that there is a range of appropriate water consumption to maintain hydration. Studies show that we typically lose about 3 liters (a little more than 3quarts or 96 oz) of water each day. This water is eliminated through, urination, bowel movements, breathing, and sweating. For the body to function properly you’ll need to replace this fluid.
How do you know if you’re getting dehydrated? If you have a dry mouth, produce less urine, have very dark urine and/or feel dizzy or faint you probably need water, quick. Drink at least 12 glasses a day. Although I’m recommending even more, 16 glasses a day. That is a gallon of water each day. A gallon of water is 128oz. I’m letting you know this so it’s easy to add up your water consumption each day (who really drinks from an 8 oz glass anymore). So why am I recommending that you drink a gallon of water each day instead of 96oz? I’m erring in the side of caution. As long as you eat food (and a minimal amount of sodium) there are no negative side effects to drinking a gallon of water each day. If you don’t drink this much water currently you’ll begin to notice immediate positive effects with your body.
Here are some major health benefits to staying properly hydrated
1. Drinking water enhances fat loss
Water is an essential nutrient. All chemical reactions in the body depend upon it. If you’re trying to lose weight, this can’t be ignored. You won’t be able to lose weight without water to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown. When there isn’t enough water to dilute the body’s waste products, kidney stones may form. When the kidneys aren’t working to their full potential, the liver must step in and help. Once this happens the liver can’t optimally perform its other important functions. As a result, burning fat has to wait.
2. Combat ailments by drinking more water
In many cases, fatigue, headaches and back pain may be caused by dehydration. If you suffer from an afternoon nod off, try drinking more water at lunch. If you or your children complain of frequent headaches, the amount of water you’re drinking could be responsible.
3. Drinking water can reduce hunger
Hunger pangs are often misinterpreted cravings for water. Try drinking water before your regular meals and see if it helps you cut down on the amount of food you eat. It really works as an effective appetite suppressant. Avoid counting tea, coffee, sodas and juices in your fluid intake. Coffee and tea contain caffeine which has a diuretic effect and makes you lose water. Sodas and juices are too sweet—because the body must dilute them, they cause more dehydration.
4. Look younger – drinking water hydrates your skin
When the skin is properly hydrated, it looks plump and more radiant. Water will keep the toxins flushed out and help you to cool off through perspiration. Muscles need to haveenough water to make them look full too. Deprive yourself of water and you’ll see the difference in the mirror.
Other reasons you need to drink a gallon of water everyday
1. Better Productivity at Work: Your brain is mostly made up of water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and improve concentration.
2. Better Exercise: Drinking water regulates your body temperature. You’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises and water helps to fuel your muscle.
3. Helps in Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps with digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
4. Less Cramps: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps.
5. Less Likely to Get Sick and Feel Healthy: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack. Adding lemon to water can help with ailments like respiratory disease, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis etc. In other words one of the benefits of drinking water can improve our immune system.
6. Relieves Fatigue: Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body. If your body lacks of water, your heart, for instance, needs to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells, and other vital organs. Your organs will be exhausted and so will you.
7. Good Mood: When your body feels good it can’t help but to improve your mood and make you feel happy.
8. Reduce the Risk of Cancer: Related to the digestive system, some studies show that drinking a healthy amount of water may reduce the risks of bladder cancer and colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with bladder lining.
Ok enjoy your water (and the frequent trips to the restroom). I’ll be back again tomorrow with Fitness Tip #5 (and you’re going to really like Tip #5 a lot!).
I tried drinking lot of water at once. had a very bad side effect. had a mild headache for a few days.
Googling online found an article that said , too much water will increase pressure in the brain.
so, don’t drink too much at once. spread it through the day…