H2O, two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, these are simple elements but so vital to life. Our bodies are made up of 60% water or H2O and almost 3/4 of that is in our brains! No wonder our brains feel sluggish when we are dehydrated! We need water to hydrate our bodies and keep the fluids moving, without adequate water our blood and bodily fluids become thick, slow moving and inefficient. Water not only hydrates but lubricates, keeping organs from sticking together and fluid in our joints so they move well.
How much water?
Each person is different, but the rule of thumb is to drink half your weight in ounces of water. So if you weigh 100lbs, you should drink approximately 50oz of water daily. Now by water, I mean water, not coffee or pop – yeah there’s water in there too! Nope. I mean regular water. The sugary pops and caffeinated beverages make your body work hard to process out all the sugar, caffeine and chemicals in those drinks to get to the water it so desires. So drink straight water, on the rocks if you’d like — but water.
What kind of water should I drink?
Try to drink the purest water you can. So if you are at home, get at least a water purifier, they generally have an activated carbon filter and will remove most of the toxins and chemicals from it. There are others, do your research and see which one works best for you, your family and your budget. But the key here is to drink water.
When should I drink water?
There are a lot of thoughts on this, but for me, I believe drinking only 4-5oz of water during your meal time, which includes a half hour before and after your meal. By doing this you will not dilute your digestive juices and your stomach can do its digesting the best that it can. In between meals, get your six-eight 10oz glasses of water in, or the amount you figured out per your weight above.
If you drink an adequate amount of water daily, you will feel more energized, clear headed, and it will curb your appetite!
