Drinking plenty of fluids is essential if you want to stay fit and healthy.
Drinking lots of water can even help you lose weight. Dehydration, on
the other hand, can have a negative impact on your overall health and
your ability to lead an active life. How do you avoid dehydration and
stay properly hydrated? How much water do you need, and can you drink
other liquids?
How Much Water?
For proper hydration you need to drink around a gallon of water a day.
This may seem like a lot, but if most of your drinks in the day are water
you will quickly meet the requirements. For example, if you drink sodas
with lunch and an alcoholic drink with dinner, switch them all to water.
Have a bottle of water on your desk at work. Drink plenty of water before,
during and after your workout.
Are You Dehydrated?
One simple way to see if you are properly hydrated is to check your urine.
If it is clear and a pale straw color then you are hydrated. If urine
is darker yellow or the color of apple juice, you are dehydrated and need
to drink more water.
What are the Benefits of Proper Hydration?
You need enough water in order to function – without enough fluids
you will not survive; water is the most crucial nutrient for life and
health. There are other benefits to drinking water, too. Drinking enough
water can really affect how well you age – and the quality of your
skin as you get older. Regularly drinking enough water helps improve your
muscle flexibility and your tissue quality, leading to plumper and healthier
skin. Being hydrated gives you better energy levels so you can exercise
and live life more easily. Water also helps to protect the major organs
in the body and provides the fluid needed to cool the body.
Can Water Help Weight Loss?
Sometimes when you feel hungry you are actually thirsty – keeping
properly hydrated helps to regulate your appetite, which prevents you
from overeating. Try drinking a glass of water before you eat to see if
you experience a greater sense of fullness. Avoid drinking lots of fruit
juices or soda as these provide you with hydration but also with calories
and sugar – this does not help weight loss or contribute to a healthy diet.