If you’re anything like me, you may have grown up occasionally drinking water from the hose, not from a fancy water bottle, and certainly not regularly. I remember drinking juice, pop, and milk, but rarely water on its own. It’s wild to think how things have changed!
We know that every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies requires water to function properly. Our bodies use water to transport nutrients, maintain body temperature, and remove waste. Water is vital for brain function, it lubricates our joints and helps to maintain our digestive system. Hydration plays a key role in our overall health.
So how much water should we be drinking? The recommended daily water intake is related to body size and activity level. The general rule is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. To calculate your required water intake, weigh yourself, then divide your weight in pounds by two. This number will reflect the amount of water required. It is important to note that adults may require more or less water than the calculation suggests, based on your overall health, how much you exercise, and how hot or dry the climate you live in is.
It’s great to know how much water you need to drink, but how can you actually consume that much water in a day? Follow these tips to help increase your water intake levels:
Have water regularly available. Keep a water bottle at your desk, in your car, or pack a bottle with you when you walk.
Try substituting one glass of juice, pop, coffee, or tea for a glass of water.
If cold water isn’t your thing, try room temperature or hot water.
If the taste isn’t for you, try adding in some fruit like lemon or lime, or cucumbers, or even mint.
Set an alarm or reminder. The reminder will prompt you to consume water.
Challenge others in your workplace or family. Track consumption and race to a common goal.