As we lean closer and closer to a large turkey dinner tomorrow, I want to revisit one very simple thing that
can help you through those glutinous days, and through simple days as well. Do you know how much water you should drink in a day?
Sometime in elementary school, we all learned that something like 70% of the human body is made of water. There is good reason for this. Not only does it help to flush out the toxins that our body produces. But it also is a necessary component of many of our biochemical processes.
Do you know that the signs of dehydration mimic many other ailments? Dehydration can show up as fatigue, insomnia, menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, hunger, sugar cravings, and temperature changes. Being thirsty is actually one of the LAST signs your body will give you if you are dehydrated. So if you wait to drink water until you are thirsty, you’re already behind.
So here is the formula for how much water your body needs:
- 1/2 your body weight, in ounces (for example: if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to drink 75 ounces of water)
- Then you need to add a glass of water for every vice and every increment of exercise.
- 1 glass for every cup of coffee, sugary dessert, or alcoholic beverage.
- 1 glass for every 20 minutes of cardio or 30 minutes of weight training.
Before you panic about now having to spend your whole day in the bathroom, know it won’t last long. I like to think of it like a plant. Have you ever had a plant that was in really dry soil? Well, when you first water it, the water will run right through the soil. However, with patience and persistence, the soil begins to moisten and actually hold the water that you are putting in. The same thing will happen with your body. As you cells become rehydrated and replenished, the water will not rush right through you.
Hang in there. Trust that your body is healing. And let water be your friend!
