Find out why drinking water is not only essential for optimal skin care, but also for other bodily functions.
We have all been told that we should drink 6 – 8 glasses of water a day. Why is that so important? And exactly how much water do we really need?
Our bodies cannot function without water – every single system in our bodies needs water to operate properly.
Many of us may even be dehydrated. Here are a couple of symptoms that may make you reach for another glass:
• Fatigue
• Bad breath and dry mouth
• Constipation
• High and Low Blood Pressure
• Stomach Ulcers
• Respiratory Troubles
• Acid-Alkaline Imbalance
• Excess Weight and Obesity
• Eczema
• Cholesterol
• Urinary Infections
Staying hydrated can be a challenge though. I struggle in winter especially. Here are a few tricks that help me to get my quota in:
I keep a bottle or glass with me at all times: next to the bed, on my desk, in the car. If I constantly see it, I can’t make the excuse that I forgot.
I have a big glass first thing every morning before I switch the kettle on for my morning cup of coffee.
I find it easier to drink the required amount every day if I constantly keep sipping instead of downing a huge glass every couple of hours. It also seems as if this is easier on my bladder…
If you struggle to drink water because you just don’t like the taste, why not add some flavour? A couple of drops of lemon juice can make for a very refreshing drink.
Another easy way to up your water intake is to eat it. Fruits like watermelon are mostly made up water and a very good choice to help keep you hydrated.
Now, how much do you really need?
The Mayo Clinic says the following: ‘The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day’. This is a great guideline, but do remember that there are more factors that you have to consider. You need to increase your water intake the more you exercise as you have to compensate for the fluid loss through perspiration. You also need to increase the amount of water you drink if you live in a hot or humid area. If you are sick, pregnant or breastfeeding you will need more fluids (always discuss matters with your doctor).
It’s not that difficult to check if you are adequately hydrated – if you are never thirsty, chances are you are getting enough fluids. Another way to check is to have a look at the colour of your urine. I’ve read that your urine should look more like lemonade, and less like apple juice.
We are very lucky to live in a country where the quality of our drinking water is very high. A lot of us are also in the fortunate position to have this valuable resource available to us at the turn of a tap.
Go on… get yourself another glass.
Not only is drinking water good for all these things, but it is absolutely necessary for optimal skin care!
Find out which vitamins to take for healthy skin!
Article by: Charlene http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/pretty-please-charlie