We're finally beginning to get some summer weather--yay! It's always important to keep your body hydrated, but as we start seeing more sun and higher temperatures, plus increased physical activity that usually goes along with summer, it becomes even more important that our bodies have the right amount of fluids coming in.
Two common misconceptions there: right amount and fluid. What defines each?
Let's start with fluids and then move to find out how much you should be drinking.
Fluids that hydrate your body are NOT: coffee--whether regular or decaf, or soda--whether regular or diet, caffeinated or caffeine-free. Some better choices might be juices or milk, but the best choice, and what you should focus on drinking the most of, is good old h2o. Water. This isn't new news, but I still get clients that drink mostly coffee and/or soda throughout the day. Coffee and soda are actually fluids that dehydrate your body. So while you might think, "Well, I drink something all day," you're not actually hydrating your body and may be making it harder for your body to perform its functions. Switching to water can make a huge difference in the way your body functions.
Now, how much water should you be drinking? There's several ways to quote how much water a person should drink. Some say 8-8oz. glasses a day, for a total of 64oz. Some say a glass of water for every hour you're awake. Some say, and what I feel is the best way to drink as much water as YOUR body needs, is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Don't panic--what that really means, is if you weigh, say, 150 pounds, then you would drink 75 ounces of water. If you weigh 125 pounds, you would drink roughly 62 ounces of water. If you weigh 200 pounds, you would drink 100 ounces of water. You get the idea.
Now, you might be wondering how you will ever drink all that water in one day. First of all, you shouldn't wait until you're thirsty before reaching for something to drink. You may already be dehydrated at that point, and will likely be reaching for something with flavor, something less likely to actually hydrate you. If you don't drink very much water on a regular basis, give yourself the best shot, and don't expect to drink your quoted amount right away. Just work on increasing your intake. You may need to experiment what temperature of water is your favorite to drink. Some people will only drink ice cold water, some like it from the fridge, some like it at room temperate, some like it somewhere in between. You might also need to experiment with different water-holders. Do you like drinking from a cup, glass, straw, a wide- or narrow-neck bottle? Carry water, in whichever means you prefer, with you wherever you go, and drink from it often.
By staying hydrated, your muscles will be less likely to become sore, your body can excrete waste products more efficiently, by means of sweat, clearer urine, and regular bowel movements. You'll have better circulation, your skin won't be as dry and may clear up if you're prone to blemishes.
Cheers--to a fun-filled, beautiful summer ahead, and your increased hydration to boot!
