Summer Advice: HYDRATE!

“I know I don’t drink enough water”

I frequently hear this statement as clients drink the cup of water I give them  at the end of their massage.  Truth is, many of us don’t drink enough water, and by the time we begin to feel thirsty our body is already on its way to becoming dehydrated.  Staying hydrated is essential to our health all year round, but with the heat we have been experiencing this summer many of us are becoming dehydrated more quickly and more frequently.

source: https://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html

Why does water matter?

Water supports ALL the functions of our our body:  It’s key to building cells, metabolizing and transporting nutrients, regulating our body temperature, and flushing out waste.  It’s also a shock absorber for our brain and spinal cord, and it lubricates our joints!

Water composes up to 60% of an adult body, (and up to 78% of a newborn) with our brains, lungs, heart and kidneys holding more than our our bones.  Muscle tissue is also a large part water, (fat has less) which is why drinking after a massage or exercise is so important.   Muscle cramping can be an early sign of dehydration, and a good signal that your body might need more water!

How much water do we need?

Our hydration needs vary depending upon where we live, our activity levels, our age and our gender.  According to the USGS, “Generally, an adult male needs about 3 liters per day while an adult female needs about 2.2 liters per day.”

infused water makes a delicious and healthy summer drink.

Although some of our hydration does comes from the food that we eat, drinking enough water to keep our body functioning at its highest level is essential.  Remember that by the time you are actually experiencing thirst, you’re body is already running low on H2O.   So keep that refillable water bottle handy (please don’t by single use plastic bottles, they are bad for you and the environment), and try these fruit infused water recipes to make water drinking more enjoyable for you and your family!

To your health!!

PS:  Here are 10 tips for ways to stay hydrated when you’re working out!