This month’s “Drinking Buddies” challenge is inspired by my party-girl past and, more recently, how kidney disease continues to affect family members. I’m asking you to commit to increasing your daily water intake by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day (roughly 64 ounces), or really, just more than what you’re currently drinking. In addition to increasing your water intake, I’m asking you to invite a friend to do this with you. A buddy that can motivate you and you can motivate in return. Before you accept, remember to check with your primary care physician that this challenge is suitable for you.
Back to the challenge. It isn’t solely about hydration, which is achieved by means other than just drinking water. It’s about the additional benefits drinking water has on our bodies. Some of those benefits include: flushing waste from our bodies, lubricating our joints and muscle tissue, and helping our brains function. Its consumption also regulates our body temperature by sweating and respiration. With approximately 60% of our bodies being made up of water, it’s obvious we need it for more than hydration and glowing skin.
“This is your reminder” Stainless Steel Water Bottle 2
$25.50 USD
This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings and features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car’s cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in your bag for any time you get thirsty.
How Much Water Should I Be Drinking?
Drinking the right amount of water is different for every individual based on things like the environment, diet, season (warmer temps require more water), lifestyle, physical levels of activity, and health needs. As for a specific measurement of how much water to drink daily, you may have heard that you should drink half your body weight in ounces or the unofficial cardinal rule of thumb that recommends 6-8 glasses of water. The latter, I find, is pretty reasonable, and often use it as a baseline for myself. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the adequate daily fluid intake is:
About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
“These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.” (MayoClinic.org) Based on their recommendations, I would need to drink approximately, 73oz of fluids daily; It would be up to me to make sure an adequate percentage of that 73oz is water consumption.
How can I tell if I’m drinking an adequate amount of water?
A good rule of thumb is to look down when you pee. The color of urine gives us some insight as to what’s going on in our bodies. In general, urine that is pale yellow indicates that you’re most likely well-hydrated. If it’s darker in color you could probably stand to increase your water intake. Keep in mind, different medical conditions and medications can cause your urine to vary in color. If ever you have concerns, do not hesitate to contact your health provider.
I Heard You Can Drown From Consuming Too Much Water
You cannot drown from drinking too much water but you can experience Hyponatremia, also known as water intoxication. Hyponatremia is a condition, sometimes fatal, that happens when there is an excess amount of fluids consumed quicker than the kidneys can process and excrete.
It’s Time To Turn Up
I’m always surprised at how much better I feel when I’m well-hydrated. I shouldn’t be surprised because it’s a well-known fact that drinking water, resulting in proper hydration, can increase your mood. Still, I occasionally find myself getting caught up in a project or busy with the day and neglecting to get my fill of H2O. Visit my pop-up shop to get your “Drinking Buddies” merchandise for you and a friend.
References:
- https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body
- https://blog.nasm.org/nutrition/hydration-health-performancehttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day#how-much-you-need
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/250030-how-to-determine-if-you-are-drinking-half-your-body-weight-in-water/
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#motivation #selfimprovement #personalgrowth #Wellness #selfdiscipline #selfcare #health #Goals #PersonalGoals
L. Bradley 