What are you doing to your body with water?  The Unsexy Reality About Hydration That Really Counts 

Let’s discuss the most tedious health trick that yet seems revolutionary – drinking enough water.  Just plain old H2O, not expensive alkaline water from a glacier, nor fruit-infused spa water served in crystal glasses.  Roughly 60% fancy water makes up your body, which is like a luxury water balloon. When you don’t fill it up correctly, everything from your brain to your toes throws a quiet fit. 

Why Your Brain Requires Water Like Your Phone Requires Charging 

Have you ever experienced the 3 PM mental fog in which you look at your computer screen as though it were speaking Klingon?  Try this crazy thought: sip a glass of water instead of reaching for another coffee.  Your brain is roughly 75% water, and when it runs low, cognitive function declines more quickly than your Monday morning drive.  Proper hydration helps you to become from zombie to semi-functional adult by improving attention, memory, and decision-making.  Desk-bound employees who maintain a water bottle at their workstation say less headaches and more focus.  Using the water cooler only as a reason to gossip does not qualify as “hydration”. 

The Pee Test: Yes, We’re Going There 

Your urine hue is the natural hydration dashboard.  Shoot for pale lemonade, not apple juice.  Dark yellow indicates your kidneys are working hard to save water; totally clear could indicate you’re overdoing it (yes, overhydration is a genuine problem).  In fact, the “8 glasses a day” guideline is antiquated; your requirements vary based on your size, degree of exercise, and whether you reside in the desert or an air-conditioned cave.  A better rule: drink enough that your pee resembles a mild Chardonnay and you’re going to the bathroom every 2-3 hours. 

Hydration Tips for Those Who Forget to Drink Water 

If drinking water seems like work, try these covert tips: 

• Before coffee, have a glass to start your day; your dehydrated morning self will despise you but will appreciate you. 
• Eat your water—celery, watermelon, and cucumbers are essentially crunchy water bottles. 
• Set “water break” alerts to correspond with your natural work breaks. 
• A labeled water container lets you monitor consumption unconsciously. 
• Instead of sweet additions, flavor water with frozen fruit. 
• Not only for marathon runners, exercise hydration 

Sweating while you exercise?  That’s your body begging for aid.  Mild dehydration can make your exercise seem more difficult and your recuperation take more time.  The American Council on activity advises consuming 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours prior to activity, followed by 7-10 ounces every 10-20 minutes during.  After your workout, replace what you have lost; a straightforward approach is to weigh yourself both before and after and then consume 16 to 24 ounces for every pound lost.  And no, regardless of what your softball team says, beer is not a “sports drink.” 

Water and Weight: The Skinny 

Here’s a pleasant reality: good hydration can support weight control.  Occasionally, what seems like hunger is really a ruse for thirst.  Replacing sugary drinks with water saves hundreds of unnecessary calories and drinking water before meals helps to avoid overeating.  When properly hydrated, your metabolism also works more effectively; it’s like providing greater lubrication for your internal engine.  Water is an aid, not a magician; therefore, don’t expect it to melt away pounds all by itself. 

Special Circumstances: When to Drink More 

• Some life situations increase your requirement for water to eleven: 
• Pregnancy makes women walking water filters—increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, all that nice things. 
• Pressurized cabins make air flight to desert wind faster in dehydration. 
• High elevations or hot weather hasten fluid loss 
• Fever or diarrhea-related illness calls for more hydration. 
• Being above sixty, when thirst cues lose dependability 

Remember, hydration is about paying attention to what your body needs today, not perfection.  Your mood, brain, skin, and joints will all appreciate you.  If you will excuse me, all this discussion about water has left me parched…