If you’re from the southwest or have ever stayed here for any period of time, you’ll know that we’re just crazy about our water. We all know that our bodies are made up of over 60% water and that it’s important to drink at least eight glasses of water during the day to stay hydrated. {Blah blah blah} But what are the added benefits of staying hydrated and when should we drink water?
Have you ever had a headache that came out of nowhere or felt tired for no reason? What about that strange swelling in your hands or feet? One of the main reasons for this is not staying hydrated. Feeling thirsty yet? If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
I’ve found out recently that staying hydrated can help prevent blood clots since water is vital to good circulation. It also reduces your risk of colon and bladder cancers. But, did you know that drinking water can help you lose weight? Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help suppress your appetite. Also, sometimes when we feel hungry, we’re really just thirsty.
A good habit to get into is drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. This will help lower acid levels in your stomach and prevent morning heartburn. It also helps to get things moving and will flush out the toxins in your body.
If you have trouble drinking plain water, try adding fresh squeezed lemon juice. There are also some neat water bottles out there, like this one that helps you track your fluid intake. Once you get in the habit, you’ll find that staying hydrated will help you feel more energized and healthier all around. So drink up!