Water/H2O

 

Its no big secret that water makes up over half our body weight. From our organs to our tissues to the littlest of cells, they all need water to keep our body healthy and working properly.

 

We have all heard 8 glasses a day.

 

It all comes down to the individual. Now that the weather is getting hotter, your doing more exercise, if your pregnant, trying to loose weight or have a fever, these are all determining factors when it comes to how much you should drink. So consider the 8 glasses a day your guideline.

 

Dehydration

 

This is when your body is not getting the water it needs.

 

Here are some symptoms of dehydration:

Dry mouth

little or no urn

confusion

headaches

fatigue

dizzy or lightheaded

constipation

 

These are all good indication your are not giving your body the water it needs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms increase your water intake. If that does not alleviate the problem after a few hours speak to your local physician.

 

How to stay hydrated

 

Drink water before, during and after physical activity is key. Drink on a schedule if you find it hard to remember i.e. when you wake up, at every meal, or before you go to bed.

The sense of thirst is often confused with hunger so instead of reaching for an extra burger from the BBQ try a glass of water. This simple step can also help you loose weight healthily. Having a water bottle available at all times is also a big plus. Consider using a reusable bottle to also cut down waste.

 

Don't like plain water? Try adding a slice of lemon, fresh fruit or mint to add a bit of flavor. Enjoy!

 

 

Nathaniel Porter-Gowan, RMT