The amount of water you drink can have a major impact on how you feel and on your overall health. I always try to make sure that my son and I drink the right amount of water. Water actually makes up about 60% of your body weight, so it’s really important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Water?
You probably hear the term dehydration all of the time, but you might not know the health risks that can come from it. Being dehydrated can cause dry mouth, headaches, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or lack of focus. These symptoms are usually very mild, but they can lead to other serious problems.
The Proper Amount
I’ve always heard that everyone should get eight ounces of water eight times a day, but it never really made sense to me. I thought, “Everyone has a different body and different lifestyle, so everyone should have to drink a different amount of water right?” I mean, my seven-year-old son shouldn’t need the same amount of water as I do.
After doing some research, I found that the suggestion of eight ounces of water eight times a day is a little outdated, and was created because it’s right for many people. Plus, it’s easy to remember. However, the correct amount of water varies from person to person. Luckily, there’s a way to calculate the right amount for you.
The easiest way to figure it out is to divide your body weight in half. The number that you come up with is the amount of ounces you’ll need to drink every day. So, if you weigh 130 pounds, you need to drink sixty-five ounces of water every day. Obviously, if you’re an active person and you sweat out water, you’ll need to drink more. After I go running, I always make sure to drink plenty of water. Usually I bring a filtered water bottle with me, but if I don’t, I make sure to rehydrate as soon as I get home.
Getting the Right Amount of Water
Unless you have yourself trained to drink water throughout the day, you probably don’t get the amount of water you really need. So how can you train yourself? Trick yourself! Work little things into your daily life that will encourage you to drink water.
- Carry a refillable water bottle with you. My son and I both do this (though we’re both guilty of leaving them at home sometimes).
- Leave a refillable bottle on your desk. If you don’t think you’ll drink it even if you’re carrying it, mark the bottle with levels and times of day. You’ll work your way through it in no time.
- Get a plant for your office that requires daily watering. When you water it, you’ll remember to drink some for yourself.
- Drink a big glass of water right when you wake up. Coffee will actually dehydrate you, so drink some water with it to counteract the dehydration.
One great way to make sure you are actually drinking water is to invest in water filter. Having easy access to great tasting water will make you more inclined to drink your daily amount. I know people that use reverse osmosis systems or just a simple refrigerator filter. Get a great deal on all kinds of water filters by shopping DiscountFilters.com now.
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