by Brian Tuck
Our body is made up of 70% of it and we’ve all heard the rule: drink 8-10 tall glasses of water per day. Most people find that recommendation hard to live by, so let's break that down into realistc ways to get into the habit of drinking more water.
Always an icy debate, the original 8-10 recommendation includes dietary water found in fruits and vegetables. The exact minimum amount of water one requires can vary depending on our body weight and level of physical activity. It becomes difficult to quantify what each individual needs when most people don’t eat their 8-10 daily portions of fruits and vegetables per day, nor exercise enough as it is.
In addition to flushing toxins from the system and hydrating the skin, studies show drinking enough water can reduce the risk of colon and bladder cancers. The 2002 Journal of Epidemiology cites that people who drink more than five glasses of water per day can even reduce their risk of heart attack by 41%. This was compared to those who drink less than two glasses per day over a six-year study.
On the contrary, a quick Google search will bring up the damaging effects of drinking more water. Fears of stress on the kidneys amongst other things, most simply find the water requirement quite daunting, but that doesn’t mean we should quit trying altogether. We're not talking about three gallons here.
The benefit to increase your daily water intake by two to three glasses is better than none at all. Your kidneys will be fine, that’s what they're waiting for! Choosing a soft drink to quench one’s thirst or drinking a pot of coffee have less benefit to them than more water.
How do you know you need more water? If we drink water regularly, we prevent encountering this dillema, but early signs the body is dehydrating is darker urine, headaches and low energy.
Ways to include more water in your life,
-Drink two glasses of water right away when you get out of bed.
-Drink a glass of water before each meal. Studies show hunger is also a symptom of thirst. You will fill up faster rather than eat more.
-Eat 8-10 fruit and vegetable portions per day.
-Take a sip of water at a fountain whenever you pass one.
-Carry a canteen on you at all times. Fill it up before leaving the house and sip throughout the day.
-Drink water during and following physical activity.
-For those who do not enjoy plain water, replace your soft drink with sparkling water and fruit juice. Adding a slice lemon to a cup of hot water is great too.
