Water: Essential for Life
“HYDRATE OR DIE-DRATE!” was a common sentiment screamed down at me during my high school football days. While coaches definitely had a way of dramatizing the phrase, the sentiment wasn’t wrong—water is necessary for life.
Most of us have probably heard that we need to drink more water, or even the rule of thumb that we need to drink 6 to 8 cups of water a day, but we’re hardly ever instructed why or how. In this article I want to dive into the science of hydration and how we can accomplish it.
The numbers for just how dehydrated Americans are vary—with ranges from 25 to 75 percent—but the positive effects of hydration stay the same. To name a few benefits, water aids in digestion, normalizes blood pressure, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, can improve energy and cognition levels, and leads to a healthier heart. The bottom line is drinking enough water is necessary for a healthy life.
The benefits are all good reasons to drink more water, so why don’t we? First, it can be easy to forget. With a busy schedule, it can be difficult remembering to gradually drink water and we can get used to our thirst.
Making water a part of your schedule is a remedy to this. For example, I love to drink a glass of water when I get out of bed and before I get back in at night. It’s great physically, and it’s also satisfying to check off a habit first thing in the morning.
For some, not liking the taste of water or preferring something with more flavor at mealtime (like tea or coffee) is the case. It’s a common misconception that caffeinated drinks like these are dehydrating because they increase urination. While urination does increase, there’s still a net gain of fluid from these drinks, so if you prefer black coffee in the morning or unsweetened tea at lunch, they’re great alternatives to water, in moderation.
Finally, during these summer months we’ll be sweating more than we have been, so you have to be extra deliberate with drinking water. If you plan on going out of the house, try bringing a bottle of water with you. I suggest getting a refillable bottle that makes the most sense for you: it can have a straw, be gallon-sized, have inspirational quotes, or just be an “ol’ reliable” Nalgene. Making sure it’s full when you leave—and empty when you get back—that is a great way to keep you on track!
So, how do you know if you’re hydrated enough? Well, like a lot of things, your body is the best judge. Eight cups a day is often the suggestion, but you won’t be carrying measuring cups, so listening to how you feel is important. If you start to feel even the tiniest bit thirsty, drink water. If you realize it’s been a bit, drink water. A headache? Drink water. Being hydrated isn’t always the cure, but it’s a great first step.
