Drink Water for Great Health
By Donna Stark
Are these busy days that you've been having leaving you feeling a little extra sluggish? Maybe even a little less motivated than what you are used to? Oftentimes, when we are running from one thing to the next, we forget to take care of ourselves. We let a healthy habit slip one day, and another healthy habit slip the next, and before we know it, our energy is zapped and our overall health takes a dive. We certainly don't plan on hurting ourselves this way, but nevertheless, it happens and it happens quicker than we can imagine. Fortunately, there is one habit that is a surefire way to get back to feeling more energized and a lot better. It's easy, it's relatively inexpensive, and all that you need is a bottle to put it into. That's right, it's time to hydrate, so grab some water and let's go!
Benefits of Water
Drinking water and staying hydrated is a critical component in everyone's diet for so many reasons. Let's take a look at some of the benefits to the body that water provides.
- Lubricates the joints
- Delivers oxygen throughout the body
- Boosts skin health
- Cushions the brain and spinal cord
- Regulates body temperature
- Maintains proper function of the digestive system
- Maintains blood pressure
- Promotes absorption of minerals and nutrients
- Prevents kidney damage
Increasing Your Water Intake
Now that you've read about the benefits, what do you think? Do you drink enough? If not, here are some tips that will motivate you to increase your water intake.
- Drink a glass when you wake up, with every snack and meal, and then before bed
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car and at work or school
- Add pieces of fruit in your ice cube trays before freezing
- Add lemon, mint leaves, and honey
- Use a water filter at home
- Substitute water for sodas when eating out
- Drink coconut water
Avoiding the Consequences of Dehydration
Drinking the recommended amount of water each day is vital for good health, as the body uses it for nearly every function it has. Even if a small percentage of water in your body is lost, those functions can become impaired, so it's very important to be intentional with the amount you drink on a daily basis. A huge percentage of people suffer from chronic dehydration and you certainly don't want to be included in those numbers. So if you are feeling moody, tired, sick, or unmotivated, and you know your water consumption is lacking, then it's time to set a new goal! Try to drink eight large glasses of water every day. It really is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall health and wellness.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.