Are you hydrated or dehydrated?
Did you know it is recommended for individuals to drink half their weight in ounces each day or more to stay hydrated? That means if you’re 150 pounds, you should be drinking at least 75 ounces of water, DAILY!
Signs of dehydration:
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth/lips
- Headaches
- Dry Skin
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/Light-headed
- Muscle cramps
With the summer months approaching, I thought this post would be a good reminder to make sure you’re drinking water each day and more importantly, drinking enough water each day! Did you know 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration?
Hydration Tips:
- Keep a bottle, I love my Hydroflask, with you throughout the day and make note of how many times you are filling it. Make a goal, for instance, to drink a full 32oz Hydroflask 3 times daily. They also make motivational glass bottles that reminds you to keep up with drinking your water, this one is my favorite: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/motivational-water-bottle?country=US&aw_cid=419001177&aw_aid=58905330847&aw_dev=c&aw_loc=9031086&aw_key=&aw_mtype=&aw_net=g&aw_ad=269958787113&aw_pos=1o4&aw_shopid=46782&aw_prod_partid=446225960629&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3v3YBRCOARIsAPkLbK57NSVvSaZtImMxg6Ez7teOGU6cQ5Yl6to1Bk_iLpx5Bfhhxc2aScgaArx8EALw_wcB
- Coconut Water, try adding this into the mix on hot days or days where you work out. It is filled with many natural electrolytes that will keep you hydrated and tastes delicious.
- Watch the color of your urine. When you are properly hydrated, the color will be pale yellow whereas if it is is dark yellow, you could be dehydrated.
- Use fruit as hydration as many different fruits contain vital electrolytes and also have some water (hello watermelon!). Banana and dates have potassium, one of our important electrolytes!
- Make sure you’re drinking QUALITY water that hasn’t been leached of its electrolytes. Most bottled water that is filtered has no minerals. These minerals are important for cellular health and hydration. I always recommend staying away from plastic as much as you can, opt for using your own glass or stainless steel bottles and bringing water from home. Mineral-rich water sources include well water, natural spring water, artesian water or mineral water. Always check on the Environmental Working Group’s website about the quality of water in your town. My favorite source of water is Mountain Valley Spring Water and my favorite water filter is the Berkey Filter! There are so many different brands/companies but these are my top picks!
- https://www.berkeyfilters.com/
- https://www.mountainvalleyspring.com/
In health,
Dr. Nicole
Sources:
https://www.medicaldaily.com/75-americans-may-suffer-chronic-dehydration-according-doctors-247393
